Dong Sicheng closes his NCT chapter as SM Entertainment contract ends

Contract to End July 9, 2026, and Conclusion of NCT Activities

SM Entertainment announced on the 8th that, following extensive discussions, it has agreed to terminate its exclusive contract with Dong Sicheng on July 9, 2026. With the end of this contract, Dong Sicheng will officially conclude all activities as a member of NCT.

Since debuting as a member of NCT in 2016, Dong Sicheng has been active across NCT 127, NCT U, and WayV. Regarding Dong Sicheng, who has been with the agency for over 10 years since his trainee days, SM stated, "We will sincerely support his future as he begins a new journey."

This decision marks the second instance within NCT where a contract termination and team departure have occurred simultaneously, following Mark's departure from the team last April. This differs from TEN, who established his own independent agency and decided to continue his future activities with NCT and WayV.

Focus on Acting Career and Transition of NCT 127 to 7-Member System

Dong Sicheng has been building a foundation for his activities by establishing a separate personal studio (an independent corporation) in 2021 for his acting career in China. He has solidified his position as an actor by appearing in Chinese dramas such as '25 Hours of Love,' 'Perfect Match,' 'A Splendid Match,' and 'Moonlit Reunion.'

As the proportion of his individual activities grew, his involvement in group activities gradually decreased. When WayV resumed activities in Korea in 2024, Dong Sicheng was excluded from all official schedules, including album production.

Dong Sicheng's departure will also change the composition of NCT 127. Following the departure of TAEIL and Mark, NCT 127 will continue its activities as a 7-member group with Dong Sicheng also leaving the team. Dong Sicheng, born in 1997, plans to focus on his acting career moving forward.