From Thai teen superstar to global K-pop icon
In short: In 2011, a 14-year-old boy won a Thai talent competition, but his path to stardom was far from linear. Today, Chittaphon Leechaiyapronkul, known as Ten, navigates a complex web of international boy bands, solo projects, and luxury fashion ambassadorships.
Born in Bangkok in 1996, Ten's early career was marked by a significant detour. After winning the Thai show Teen Superstar in 2011 under the name TNT, he was offered a contract with South Korea's Starship Entertainment. However, his family prevented him from moving, leading him to instead join SM Entertainment in 2013 after a successful global audition in Thailand. Before his professional ascent, he attended the Shrewsbury International School. His early training also included being part of the pre-debut team SM Rookies.
Ten's career is a masterclass in the 'rotational' group model. Since his 2016 debut with NCT U, he has balanced roles in the China-based unit WayV and the international supergroup SuperM—the latter of which achieved the historic feat of hitting number one on the US Billboard 200. His solo discography, developed through projects like SM Station, includes hits such as 'Dream in a Dream' and 'Paint Me Naked,' eventually leading to his full solo debut in February 2024. His solo work has seen notable commercial success, with tracks like 'New Heroes' reaching the top five on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart. He also demonstrated his versatility by participating in various dance competition shows, including Hit the Stage.
Beyond music, Ten has expanded into fashion and entrepreneurship. He has served as a brand ambassador for Yves Saint Laurent and a spokesperson for Maybelline. In 2026, following the conclusion of his exclusive contract with SM, he co-founded his own label, Illimnt, to manage his global career. This expansion into creative production and independent management marks a new chapter for the multilingual artist, who continues to perform across Korea, Thailand, China, and the United States. His creative reach extends to apparel, having launched a clothing collection featuring his own artwork in 2021. Additionally, he has served as a brand model for the Korean cosmetics brand Banobagi.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Ten (singer)
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