NCT’s Decade and Contract Worries
This year marks the tenth anniversary of NCT, and with it comes the expiration of members’ contracts. The K-Pop industry is always abuzz with contract news, and this milestone year for NCT brings significant changes and heightened anticipation for fans.
As expected with contract renewals, some members have chosen to remain with SM Entertainment, such as the 7 beloved members of NCT 127, ensuring their continued activities. However, others, like Winwin, have made the decision to depart both the company and the group, pursuing new paths. This natural churn has fueled ongoing speculation about the future of various NCT units, with particular concern swirling around the status of NCT DREAM.
The contracts for NCT DREAM’s members are specifically set to expire in August, a date that has caused considerable apprehension among Czennies worried about potential departures from the group or the agency. Recently, however, a particular member’s actions have provided what many believe is a strong indication of his future plans, offering a ray of hope amidst the uncertainty.
Chenle’s Studio & Fan Speculation
On July 29, dedicated fans across social media platforms excitedly shared news that Chenle had established his own studio in China.
Shanghai Zhong Chenle Culture Communication Studio has officially been registered as a sole proprietorship, with Zhong Chenle as the sole owner (100% ownership). The studio was established on July 28, 2026 and is currently listed as active under the Cultural Event Services… pic.twitter.com/rSHYcdKU3I
— ♫ ★ (@chenleveerse) July 29, 2026
While establishing a personal studio can sometimes be interpreted as an idol preparing to separate from their original agency, especially in situations where group contracts are under review, Chenle swiftly and directly addressed these concerns himself. He chose to communicate intimately with fans through a series of heartfelt messages sent via the fan communication platform Bubble.
Chenle’s Reassuring Bubble Messages
In these messages, Chenle provided an incredibly reassuring glimpse into his mindset and future: “Our 10th anniversary fan meeting. Those of you who are coming… I think it’ll be fun. It’d be really nice if you can come. But if you can’t make it, I totally understand, so don’t be too disappointed. We’ll do it again. Ah… I don’t mean we’ll have this exact same fan meeting again, but we’ll definitely have more fan meetings in the future.”
What This Means for NCT DREAM’s Future
This candid statement, particularly his emphasis on “more fan meetings in the future,” has been widely interpreted by fans as clear confirmation that Chenle intends to remain a cherished member of NCT DREAM. This comes as a huge relief, suggesting that Czennies can look forward to many more years with Chenle as part of the beloved septet.
it’s weird that there are dreamzens who doubt the love chenle has for nct dream when he’s the biggest dreamzen to ever exist
and if anything, chenle’s latest bubble suggests that he intends to stick with nct dream (regardless of whether he renews with sm or not)
— lemyo🥔 (@chocolemeow) July 29, 2026
chenle is literally the most open and the most excited when it comes to dream activities.. and I see some doubting him 😂 y’all know right that even if they all already renewed they can’t be vocal or talk about it because their renewal date isn’t here yet
— CHENLE (@zchenle_le) July 29, 2026
He saw all the doom posts and had to come online to reassure everyone https://t.co/nCOlSnoeeL
— choco (@haehyeokz) July 29, 2026
Fans are now eagerly awaiting official announcements regarding all NCT DREAM members’ contracts, hopeful that Chenle’s positive update is a sign of good news to come for the entire unit.
