Ten launches creative company Illimnt following SM departure

The Korea HeraldIndependentCenteryesterday

Winwin, a member of the K-pop group NCT, has decided to leave SM Entertainment and cease all activities with the group. This decision was announced by SM Entertainment through their global fan community platform, Weverse, stating that they had reached a mutual agreement to terminate his exclusive contract, effective Thursday. Winwin is the third NCT member to leave in 2026, following Mark and Lucas, though ten also departed from SM Entertainment earlier this year while remaining part of NCT. Winwin debuted with NCT 127 in 2016 and later joined the China-based subgroup WayV in 2019, focusing on activities in China, including acting and solo projects.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a contractual and professional decision within a K-pop entertainment company, which is a commercial matter rather than a politically charged issue. While the topic involves a celebrity and a major entertainment agency, there is no overt political framing or ideological slant.

The Korea HeraldIndependentCenter3 days ago

K-pop artist Ten, a member of NCT and WayV, has officially launched his own creative company called Illimnt three months after ending his exclusive contract with SM Entertainment. The company operates as a creative hub covering music, culture, visual arts, fashion, original content, and brand partnerships. Ten plans to expand his global career through various projects in markets such as South Korea, Thailand, China, and the U.S., emphasizing creativity and cross-cultural connection. He continues to participate in group activities with NCT and WayV while pursuing solo endeavors. This follows similar moves by other K-pop artists like Mark, who founded Upper Room, and Lisa of Blackpink, who established Lloud.

Bias read (Center): The article presents information about a K-pop artist's career transition and industry trends without taking a clear ideological stance. It reports on a common trend within the K-pop industry where artists establish independent companies while maintaining ties to their original agencies. The framing