Ten

Ten was born Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul on February 27, 1996, in Bangkok, Thailand. He later adopted the stage name "Ten," a simple nickname that has become one of the most recognizable names in K-pop worldwide. Source: Kpop Profiles

Ten has one younger sister, Tern Kulisara Leechaiyapornkul, who has built her own career as a designer. The siblings occasionally support one another publicly, and fans enjoy seeing glimpses of their close relationship. Source: Kpop Profiles

Although Ten represents Thailand in K-pop, his family has both Thai and Chinese ancestry, with great-grandparents on both sides of his family coming from Thai and Chinese backgrounds. His multicultural heritage has helped him connect with fans across Asia. Source: Kpop Profiles

Before dance became his passion, Ten was an accomplished gymnast. During his school years, he competed in gymnastics competitions and won numerous trophies and medals, developing the flexibility, balance, and body control that would later become hallmarks of his dance style. Source: Kpop Singers

In 2013, Ten successfully passed SM Entertainment's Global Audition, earning a place as a trainee. After several years of intensive training, he officially debuted through NCT and later became one of the founding members of WayV. Source: Kpop Singers

Ten is fluent in Thai, English, Korean, and Mandarin, making him one of the most multilingual members of NCT. His language skills have helped him communicate comfortably with fans and teammates from several different countries. Source: Kpop Singers

Within WayV, Ten serves as the group's main dancer, main vocalist, sub-rapper, and center. His ability to excel in multiple positions has earned him a reputation as one of SM Entertainment's most complete performers. Source: Kpop Singers

Ten is a devoted cat lover and shares his home with three cats named Louis, Leon, and Levi. His pets frequently appear on social media and have become minor celebrities among fans themselves. Source: Kpop Profiles

Beginning in 2022, Ten served as a dance mentor on the Chinese competition program Great Dance Crew. The role allowed him to coach aspiring dancers while showcasing the artistic expertise that has made him one of K-pop's most respected performers. Source: Kpop Singers

WayV members jokingly call Ten "Dandy" because of his love of shopping and fashion. Whether browsing luxury brands or discovering unique pieces, he enjoys expressing himself through clothing just as much as through dance. Source: Kpop Profiles

Language learning goes both ways inside WayV. Hendery often helps Ten improve his Mandarin, while Ten has spent time teaching WinWin English, creating a fun exchange that reflects the group's multinational dynamic. Source: Kpop Profiles

In 2019, Ten became one of the original members of SuperM, SM Entertainment's global supergroup that also featured members from SHINee, EXO, and NCT. The project introduced him to an even wider international audience and included tours across North America and Europe. Source: Kpop Profiles, SM Entertainment

Ten's exclusive management contract with SM Entertainment concluded in April 2026. While exploring new opportunities, he has continued participating in WayV and NCT activities where possible, reassuring fans that his connection to the groups remains important to him. Source: Kpop Profiles

Despite loving many different foods, Ten has one unusual preference—he says he doesn't eat fruit. The confession has become one of his most frequently repeated fun facts because so many fans find it surprising. Source: Kpop Profiles

According to his official profile, Ten's specialties include basketball, piano, dance, and rap. Those skills, combined with his singing ability, have helped establish him as one of the most versatile artists under SM Entertainment. Source: Kpop Profiles

Outside of music, Ten is an accomplished artist and painter. He regularly shares original artwork with fans, and his paintings have appeared in exhibitions and special projects, giving supporters another window into his creative personality. Source: SM Entertainment, Ten interviews

Ten is widely regarded as one of the strongest dancers of his generation. Professional choreographers frequently praise his ability to blend technical precision with emotional storytelling, making his performances instantly recognizable even without elaborate staging. Source: Dance mentors, performance reviews, SM Entertainment

In February 2024, Ten officially debuted as a solo artist with his first mini album, TEN. The project showcased his artistic identity through genres ranging from R&B and pop to experimental dance music, earning praise for highlighting his versatility beyond group activities. Source: SM Entertainment, Wikipedia

Throughout his career, Ten has emphasized creativity over perfection. Whether experimenting with choreography, fashion, painting, or music production, he continually challenges himself to explore new forms of artistic expression—a mindset that has made him one of the most respected and influential performers in WayV and NCT. Source: Ten interviews, SM Entertainment