Ten

Ten is a Thai singer, dancer, and fashion designer who performs with NCT, its China-based unit WayV, and the supergroup SuperM. Born Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul in Bangkok on February 27, 1996, he has built a reputation as one of K-pop's most precise and expressive dancers, known for his fluid lines and sharp execution. His solo work, from SM Station singles like "Dream in a Dream" and "New Heroes" to his self-titled EP in 2024, shows a more introspective, art-minded side of his artistry.

Beyond music, Ten has moved into fashion design, launching his own apparel line in 2021. His creative output spans performance, visual art, and clothing, all marked by a polished, elegant sensibility. Fans know him as a warm and humble presence, and his fandom calls itself 10vely. As of 2026 he remains active with WayV and NCT, even after his exclusive contract with SM Entertainment concluded in April 2025. [edit]

Ten grew up in a Thai-Chinese family in Bangkok, where his mother, whom fans call Mama Lee, encouraged his interest in art and design from an early age. His grandmother also introduced him to performances by established artists, sparking his early love of dance. He attended Shrewsbury International School, a British international school, where he studied design for more than ten years and trained in gymnastics, winning several medals and a trophy.

His first taste of the entertainment industry came at fourteen, when he passed a YG Entertainment audition but declined because his family felt he was too young. In January 2011 he competed on the Thai talent show Teen Superstar under the stage name TNT, sporting bright red hair, and won, earning a contract with Starship Entertainment. Again his family held him back from going to Korea at that age. In 2013, at seventeen, he passed an SM Global Audition in Thailand and signed with SM Entertainment, becoming a member of SM Rookies that December. He appeared on the variety show EXO 90:2014 the following year, and the song that inspired him to pursue music was Park Hyo Shin's "Wild Flower." [edit]

Ten made his debut with NCT U on April 9, 2016, through the single "The 7th Sense," a track widely praised for its intricate choreography. He took on the roles of main dancer and sub-rapper in the group, and his presence in the center of the formation quickly drew attention. In 2017 he released his first solo single, "Dream in a Dream," through SM Station, and also won the Most Popular Award at the Thailand Headlines Person of the Year Awards. That same year he underwent knee surgery from intense dance training, which sidelined him temporarily.

He returned with "New Heroes" in 2018, which charted on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart. In January 2019 he debuted with WayV, NCT's China-based unit, and later that year joined SuperM, a supergroup assembled by SM Entertainment. His solo output continued with "Paint Me Naked" (2021) and "Birthday" (2022), each released through SM Station. In February 2024 he made his official solo debut with an eponymous extended play. His exclusive contract with SM Entertainment concluded in April 2025, but he continues to participate in WayV and NCT activities where possible. [edit]

Ten's public image is that of an artistic, elegant performer. His dance style blends power with fluidity, and his fashion choices often reflect a refined, modern aesthetic. Fans and peers describe him as kind, humble, and graceful. His content, whether music videos or social media posts, tends to have a polished, art-directed quality, influenced by his design background. His fandom is called 10vely, and his official fan site is named TENLEE 10VELY'S HOME. He is known for his soothing voice and inspiring performances, and he connects with fans through warm, sincere interactions. [edit]

For a decade, Ten has cultivated a devoted following that values his artistic integrity as much as his performance prowess. While the broader NCT fandom is vast and organized, Ten's specific audience has no formal name, distinguishing itself through a deep appreciation for his crossover appeal in fashion and visual art. Unlike many peers whose fanbases focus solely on chart metrics, this community actively engages with his design work and solo musical experiments, creating a unique ecosystem of support that spans music, style, and creative direction. The lack of a separate, distinct fan name for Ten alone speaks to how seamlessly he is integrated into the wider K-pop landscape, yet his individual reach remains massive, anchored by over ten million followers on Instagram who tune in for his polished, art-directed content.

This sustained global attention places him firmly among the industry's elite performers. His career trajectory reflects a rare balance of group success and solo recognition, earning him significant standing within specific regional markets. According to the latest data from the iFANN Global Fame Rankings, Ten is currently the 28th most famous person in C-Pop / Mandopop, a position he has held steady through recent cycles. This ranking highlights his enduring influence across Asian pop cultures, solidifying his status as a key figure in the region's entertainment scene.[edit]

Ten's stage name originates from the Thai word "Kraten," meaning kingfisher, a nickname bestowed upon him by his aunt during his childhood. He is known by several other monikers including TNT, Dandy, Ten On Ten, Mister Chittaphon, and Ten-nyang. His Korean name is Lee Young Heum, while his Chinese name is Li Yong Qin. A polyglot fluent in Thai, English, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese, he holds an INFJ personality type. In 2015, he competed in the Hope Basketball All Star game alongside fellow NCT member Jaehyun. When asked about relationships, he has stated he lacks a specific ideal type, preferring connections that develop naturally over time.

Recent years have added significant chapters to his professional mythology. As a founding member of NCT, he debuted in 2016, establishing himself at the center of the group's origin story despite initial speculation regarding his inclusion in the China-based unit WayV due to his nationality. A historic shift occurred in April 2026 when Ten announced he would not renew his exclusive contract with SM Entertainment after ten years. Uniquely, he confirmed he would remain a member of NCT and WayV where possible, marking a departure from typical agency exits. Shortly after, in July 2026, he launched his own creative company, Illimnt, and released his first original song in Thai, titled "If You Don't Mean It," to celebrate his debut anniversary.[edit]

Ten was born to a Thai-Chinese family in Bangkok. His mother, known affectionately as Mama Lee, played a significant role in his upbringing, introducing him to art and design and encouraging his creative pursuits over traditional academics. His father and younger sister complete the immediate family. He has not publicly shared extensive details about his parents' professions or his sister's life. As of 2026, Ten is not married and has no children, and he keeps his family life largely private, though he has spoken warmly about his mother's support in interviews. [edit]

Ten frequently collaborates with fellow NCT members. He debuted alongside Taeyong and Mark in NCT U, and they have shared stages and recordings many times. Within WayV, he works closely with Kun, WinWin, Xiaojun, Hendery, and YangYang. He has also appeared in endorsement campaigns with Doyoung and Taeyong. As part of SuperM, he performed alongside artists from other SM groups. His close friendships within NCT, particularly with Jaehyun, are well known among fans. [edit]

Ten has kept his romantic life out of the public eye. No confirmed relationships have been reported in credible sources. At a fansign in Daejeon on March 23, 2018, he said he prefers relationships that start from learning about each other before developing into love. As of 2026, Ten is reported as single. There are no known children or marriages, and he has not been publicly linked to any partner. [edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Ten's net worth stands at $4 Million as of 2026. This valuation captures his earnings from extensive group activities with NCT, WayV, and SuperM, alongside revenue generated by his solo music releases and entrepreneurial ventures in fashion. His income stream includes contributions from SM Station singles such as "Dream in a Dream" and "New Heroes," as well as proceeds from his self-titled EP released in 2024. Endorsement partnerships have provided consistent financial growth, featuring early campaigns with SK Telecom, Lotte Duty Free, Ivy Club, and Est PLAY. The launch of his apparel collection, "What is ??? THE ANSWERS," in 2021 further diversified his portfolio. While precise royalty figures remain private, this estimate aligns with the scale of his multifaceted career and his prominent standing within the entertainment industry.[edit]

Ten's individual awards are limited. He won the Most Popular Award at the Thailand Headlines Person of the Year Awards in 2017, recognizing his growing influence in Thailand. While he has received numerous group awards with NCT, WayV, and SuperM, those are not listed here as they are collective honors. His solo accolades reflect his early impact as a Thai artist in the K-pop industry. [edit]