# Thai Idol TEN Talks SM Entertainment Departure & Forming His Own Agency: ‘I’m Starting Again From Zero’

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/thai-idol-ten-talks-sm-entertainment-departure-forming-his-own-agency-im-starting-again-from-zero/
- Published: 2026-11-13T00:33:20+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-13T01:22:53+00:00
- Original publisher: Billboard
- Original article: https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/ten-sm-entertainment-departure-us-tour-interview-1236377194/
- Topics: Music

## Key points

- TEN left SM to build a career on his own terms.
- His agency, ILLIMNT, supports projects across several countries.
- He plans a larger world tour in 2027.

## Summary

Thai idol TEN has left SM Entertainment and set up his own creative agency, ILLIMNT, to pursue a more independent career. He says the move was driven by a desire to develop his own ideas and take risks, describing the transition as starting from zero.

TEN marked ten years in entertainment with a three-day residency in Bangkok, then released the English-language EP OUTWEST, which he co-wrote. His first US solo headlining tour visited 14 intimate venues, giving him a chance to connect more closely with fans; he plans to return in 2027 for a larger world tour. He says he can now perform songs from his earlier catalogue and expects to remain involved with NCT projects.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.