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Thai Idol TEN Talks SM Entertainment Departure & Forming His Own Agency: ‘I’m Starting Again From Zero’
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.
In short
- 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.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Starting an independent agency gives TEN greater control over his music, creative direction and career choices, letting him take risks and build on the ideas he has developed over a decade. His co-written EP and close-up solo tour suggest this route can also create more direct connections with fans, while his stated intention to remain involved with NCT offers continuity with his existing work.
The case against
Leaving an established company may mean giving up some of the resources, reach and organisational support that can help an artist produce and promote work at scale. Starting an agency from scratch also brings business demands and uncertainty that could compete with time for music, and a more independent path may make it harder to sustain the momentum of a major entertainment platform.