The Chameleon of K-Pop: How TEN Owns Every Concept
Photo: SM Entertainment
If you're into K-Pop or C-Pop, you've definitely heard of TEN. Born Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul in Bangkok, Thailand, this guy is the definition of an all-rounder; he can sing, dance, rap, and put on an incredible show. As a key member of SM Entertainment's groups like NCT, WayV, and SuperM, he's built a huge career both with his teams and on his own, winning over fans all around the world.
How It All Started
TEN’s talent was obvious from the start. He won the Teen Super Star competition back in 2011 when he was just 15, which first got him noticed in Korea. He even passed a YG Entertainment audition in 2010, but his family thought he was too young at the time. His big break came in 2013 when he signed with SM Entertainment and joined SM Rookies, their pre-debut training team, to get ready for his official debut.
Group Life: NCT, WayV, & SuperM
TEN first hit the scene in 2016 with NCT U and their debut track "The 7th Sense." The song was a total vibe and immediately showed off his killer dancing and smooth vocals. The cool thing about NCT is its rotating lineup, which let TEN flex his skills in different sub-units.
In 2019, things got even bigger. He helped launch WayV, NCT's Chinese unit, which quickly made a splash in the C-Pop market. Later that same year, he was picked for the supergroup SuperM, which was aimed at breaking into the U.S. market.
He’s said that each group feels different: NCT is like his best friends, WayV is like family, and SuperM is like a cool group of university friends.
The Solo Journey
While being a superstar in groups, TEN has carved out a solo space that is entirely his own. But what's really special is how he doesn't just release songs— he fully becomes the concept of each one, mastering every single detail from the music itself to the visuals and performance.
His solo journey started with the ethereal and artistic “Dream In A Dream.” This track was all about fluid contemporary dance and a mystical vibe, proving he was always an artist first.
Fast forward to his 2024 mini-album, TEN, and you can hear how much his sound has evolved. This is where he truly established his identity as a genre-bending chameleon. The lead single "Nightwalker" was all dark, seductive dance-pop, while "Water" brought fiery Latin rhythms. He didn't just sing these songs; his voice adapted to each style, breathy and mysterious in one, sharp and rhythmic in the other. Even the way he danced changed completely, from the sharp, powerful hits in "Nightwalker" to the fluid, sensual movements in "Water."
This mastery of concept is his superpower. For the pop-punk infused "Birthday," his whole demeanor was playful and rebellious, right down to his suggestive expressions and casual-cool styling. When he released "Paint Me Naked," it was a bright, confident burst of pop-rock, and he sold it with a sunny, carefree energy.
And he just keeps leveling up. His 2025 pre-release "BAMBOLA" was a dramatic, flamenco-inspired spectacle along with “STUNNER.” Every note, every beat of the choreography, and his intense, almost theatrical styling worked together to tell a complete story. It’s this insane attention to detail that makes each of his comebacks a distinct event. He doesn't just perform a song; he immerses himself in a whole world and brings the audience right in with him.
What Makes TEN Special?
Simply put, TEN is an incredible performer. It's not just about the technical skill (though he has loads of it); it's about how he tells a story with his movement. His talent is so recognized that even outlets like British GQ have praised him. Being fluent in Thai, Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese also lets him connect with fans everywhere, making him a true global artist.
TEN has that rare combo of mind-blowing talent, artistic versatility, and the ability to connect with anyone, anywhere. Whether he's on stage with his groups or doing his own thing, he continues to be one of the most exciting and captivating artists out there.
Check Out These Tracks
“STUNNER”
“Silence”
“Sweet As Sin”
“New Heros”
“ON TEN”
Edited by Pranjal Ghosh