Welcome to the 51st article of Kpopmap's weekly series exploring the amazing duality of K-Pop idols, actors, models, and more! Every week, we shine the spotlight on one artist who embodies the very essence of duality and has mastered the flair of harnessing their multifaceted talent to create the most brilliant, versatile art we have ever seen. As effortless as they make their craft look, there's a universe of talent that brings their hard work to fruition, and we must show appreciation where it's due.

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This week's "Bias Duality" article is dedicated to a rare gem, a prodigy in the truest sense of the word and a virtuoso way ahead of his time, NCT/WAYV/SuperM's Ten. With 64.3% of the total votes cast by Kpopmap readers on the poll in our previous "Bias Duality" article, Ten was chosen by an overwhelming majority of fans to appear on this series!

WAYV's Twitter

To participate in choosing the artist who will be featured in our next "Bias Duality" article, you can vote for your favourite idol/actor below! If you would like to see a different idol/actor (one who is not mentioned in the poll) featured in the series, please leave their name in the comments section, and we will add them to the vote lineup next time!

Now onto our bias!

The Paragon Of Perfection: NCT's Ten

The OG ace who emerged at the dawn of a new generation in K-Pop, soloist superstar, and fashion icon, the main/lead vocalist, dancer, and rapper of NCT, WAYV & SuperM, Ten is a champion of duality both on and off the stage. From a very young age, Ten has excelled at anything that he has put his mind to, almost as if he was wired for success. At only 15, he won a Thai talent competition show, "Teen Superstar", under the stage name TNT. Soon after, he passed SM's global audition in Thailand, joining SM Entertainment, and the rest is history.

Making one's debut in as competitive a field as K-Pop is no easy feat. To do so in a foreign land where you barely know the language makes it infinitely more difficult. Perhaps even blood, sweat, and tears are not enough to describe the herculean effort it took Ten to make his debut as flawless as it was.

Right off the bat, he caught the eye of fans and critics alike with his polished skills and magnetic presence. Soon after, as he appeared on variety shows, his bright and lovely nature endeared him to viewers, both in and out of South Korea.

Fans were quick to notice the difference between the hypnotizing and captivating aura he had on stage and his kitten-like disposition in real life. If on-stage Ten is the transfer student you have a crush on, off-stage Ten is the best friend that helps you confess. It almost seems impossible how they could co-exist but both of these personas being the same person? Now, that's a win-win right there!

The vibrant energy he brings to the table, the love, light, and laughter that defines his personality, and at the same time, the gravity with which he treats his work are all markers of his duality. As a matter of fact, he can switch from his professional mode to his personal mode in the blink of an eye, and witnessing that change is iconic, to say the least.

Take any behind-the-scenes clip, for instance, and you'll instantly notice how Ten goes from mysterious to mischievous, like magic. When the camera is on him, Ten transcends to a whole other creative dimension, channeling his inner rockstar, but once it's a wrap, his playful, adorable side comes out.

As a matter of fact, when Ten's artistic faculties take over, he is dominant, powerful, and intimidatingly bewitching, so much so that it takes us a solid minute to cope when we see him being all cuddly and cute afterwards. Suffice to say, we just can't get enough of this contrast.

Ten knows how to appeal to his audience with myriad charms, keeping us guessing in the best way possible. Will we get Prince Charming or his dark, rebellious twin? Kuromi or My Melody? I guess we'll never know! Even his own members are amused by his unpredictability! When Ten flashes us his radiant smile, it is hard to imagine him any other way, but when his piercing crystal gaze seems to be reading our minds, we have no choice but to surrender.

In an industry that is often criticized for its restrictive framework, NCT's Ten has embodied a transformative wind of change, setting an artistic precedent that is not only inspiring but also game-changing. He has dared to challenge norms, defy them, make his own rules, and unapologetically be himself, both within and without his art.

There's a sense of deliverance in Ten's music, a reclamation of youth, independence, and self-expression that is truly refreshing. Stanning Ten is self-care at its best, and in the world we live in today, we all desperately need some of that.

Sweet Serenades & Anthems For The Youth: Ten's Vocal Duality

When it comes to Ten, he is just as talented at rapping as he is at singing. However, that isn't really surprising considering that he is the absolute definition of an all-rounder. Ten's voice has a very special quality that makes the listener vouch for the fact that he was born to sing quite literally every song he has ever sung in his illustrious career. Ten's vocal modulation, the way he imbues it with depth and allure, controlling his throw and projection to create different moods and effects, speaks volumes of his mastery. What is even more impressive is that he does this in multiple languages! In addition, his command over pitch, volume, and tone alike are simply splendid, giving his voice the enviably effortless and silky feel.

Ten's range can go from sweet love songs to smug bangers, smooth rap, synth-pop, EDM, and more, but he reinvents each of these genres in his own unique style. There's a dreamy resonance to his voice that is indeed inimitable but, more importantly, is deeply evocative. If Ten's bragging, you want to brag with him, and if he's singing of being irretrievably in love, you cannot help but wish it was you he had fallen for. The sharpness and clarity of his vocals, regardless of the song, is what posits him as one of the finest voices the K-Pop industry has to offer.

WAYV's Twitter

Some songs that perfectly illustrate Ten's vocal duality include 'New Heroes', one of his best releases of all time, versus 'Dream In A Dream', his first solo digital single; NCT U's debut song 'The 7th Sense' versus 'Paint Me Naked', and WAYV's 'Regular' (Chinese version) versus NCT U's 'Baby Don't Stop'.

'New Heroes' is a spirited anthem of identity that highlights Ten's higher register. He takes his point and drives it home with a resounding impact, giving us a grand experience that is worth remembering.

At the same time, in the whimsical 'Dream In A Dream', Ten takes on a softer, more wistful, and airy tone. It doesn't feature high notes or complicated riffs, but it has a quiet elegance of its own that is hard to miss.

Similarly, in 'The 7th Sense', Ten's rap verse is unforgettable even today. He uses a lower pitch, making his voice even more charismatic than it already is. Once again, what stands out is the perfection of each note, his impeccable enunciation, and the addictive quality of his voice.

On the other hand, we have 'Paint Me Naked', a high-energy love song that's truly one of a kind. This is the song that most accurately captures the essence of all that is Ten: vivacious, colorful, and full of life.

The attention to detail in this song, the subtle nuances, and the slightest inflections are just extraordinary, not to mention the unbelievable vocal run that takes the song to a climax. Just watch the video of Ten recording 'Paint Me Naked', and you'll see exactly what we mean when we say his vocal duality is expansive.

All The World's His Stage: Ten's Performative Duality

If we had to use one phrase to describe Ten's stage presence, it would be tour de force. The man is brilliance incarnate, and every time he is on stage, we're left awe-struck with eyes full of love and respect. Whether it be in a group setting or solo, Ten has the precision of a panther, that automatically makes him stand out.

With his expertise in a wide range of genres - from b-boying to contemporary, hip-hop, open style choreography, and many more, Ten has the skills of a veteran. He knows exactly how to hold the centre stage with poise and power, drawing attention to both himself as well as his group. To Ten, performance is like painting a picture, and we have to say, he draws quite the masterpiece.

When it comes to concepts, Ten has a repertoire that could take up a whole article. Moreover, depending on the concept, Ten's approach to the stage changes. He can go from sweet and giddy to regal and balletic in an instant, and in the next, he could be giving us a full-blown dark concept, making us swoon. It is virtually impossible to take your eye off of Ten.

His penchant for making eye contact with the camera/his audience is unnervingly effective, holding the audience in his spell until the end. The fact that Ten is also incredibly confident in his own skin shows in the way he aces any and every concept with ease. Just like an actor, Ten transforms himself with every role he takes on, giving us the best of all worlds. Needless to say, Ten is the standard.

If we had to pick three performances that highlight Ten's stage duality at its finest, it would be his 'New Heroes + Paint Me Naked' stage, his "Hit The Stage" performance on episode 1 ('Victimae Paschali Laudes'), and his choreography video of 'lovely' by Billie Eilish and Khalid, with fellow member WinWin.

Firstly, we would just like to say that Ten's performance of 'New Heroes + Paint Me Naked' is worthy of being in an art museum. The first half is a fiery dance break, characterized by bold movements alternating with fluidity. Throughout this part, Ten maintains a facial expression that conveys the meaning of the song - resolute, focused, and zealous.

As we move on to the second half, with 'Paint Me Naked', Ten immediately takes on a carefree, more jovial, and dynamic look as he sings of young love (with the most stable live vocals even after that power-packed first half). His remarkable coordination shines the brightest in this part and his footwork is immaculate, to say the least. It is also in half that we see the duality in Ten's facial expressions, going from playful and cute to teasing us with his charms.

Next, is the performance that still has fans, both old and new, losing their minds over Ten: Becoming The Devil on "Hit The Stage". Ten co-choreographed the piece, and he received the highest score from judges on this episode, which is quite telling if we may say so ourselves. Ten starts off with lyrical contemporary for this performance incorporating slow, controlled movements that quickly turn into an exhilarating sequence of breakdancing. If that wasn't impressive enough, Ten makes sure to play with the concept, bending it to his will. Ten's devil is laced with a "holier-than-thou" attitude, which couldn't possibly be more fitting and he pulls it off with ease.

On the diametrically opposed end of the spectrum, we have 'lovely', choreographed by the two phenomenal performers themselves - Ten & WinWin. Standing at the intersection of dream and reality, this performance is a marvelous feat of art. It is not just a dance video, it is a cinematic journey, one that reveals something new every time you watch it. Ten's agility, flexibility, and technicality are en pointe in this performance but what strikes a chord are his expressions. His eyes betray his fears, frustration, and pain, and you feel them in your own heart, but you're also mesmerized by the beauty of what's in front of you. This duality is transcendent. This duality is Ten.

WAYV's Twitter

If you're craving more of Ten's duality, just check out his choreography videos to 'Taki Taki' (DJ Snake ft. Selena Gomez, Ozuna, Cardi B) and 'Coco Chanel' (Nicki Minaj Feat. Foxy Brown), his fantastic fancams of 'Bad Alive' from "Show Champion", 'Turn Back Time' from "Show! Music Core", '90's Love' from "SBS Inkigayo", 'Baby Don't Stop' from "MCOUNTDOWN" and most importantly, Leader Ten's special stage of 'Birthday' on "Great Dance Crew".

Leading The Scene: Ten's Aesthetic Duality

WAYV's Twitter

Finally, we have the duality that is just as striking as the rest, if not more: Ten's aesthetic duality. Before we delve into all the ways Ten has radicalized fashion, it is worth noting that Ten owns his own clothing line that he launched with Represent, titled “What is ??? THE ANSWERS” featuring his original artwork.

SM Entertainment

Not only is this collection creatively outstanding, but in a way, it also dives deep into Ten's own self-expression, his varied selves, and how they converge to form his one true self. Isn't that what duality is all about?

SM Entertainment / Ten's Instagram / weflow / Kpopmap

From customizing his fits for music videos to making Instagram his personal runway, Ten's tryst with fashion is a saga that has a fanbase of its own. Even non-K-Pop fans cannot help but gush over Ten's aesthetic, and why would they, when he offers us a new one with every post? From sporty to cozy, classic to experimental, formal, casual, prints, patterns, and more, Ten is not afraid to try new things and look like a model as he does so. His statuesque physique and godly visuals only amplify his appeal, regardless of his choice of clothes.

Seeing as Ten expresses himself through his art, fashion becomes a natural extension of this exercise. The jacket he wears on set for a shoot and the hoodie he puts on on a winter night are just as meaningful to him as the song he is working on. After all, this is Ten we're talking about, and you best believe that he pours out his soul into everything he does.

Ten as Ciel Phantomhive from "Black Butler" for Halloween / Credit: SM Entertainment's Twitter

From stage to screen, Thailand to the world, NCT's Ten is the voice of artistic liberation, a pioneer of creative freedom, and a groundbreaking force to be reckoned with. Ever since his debut, Ten has dared to challenge himself time and time again, emerging stronger and grander every time. Today, his magnanimous presence in the global music industry is inimitable, to say the least, and we cannot wait to see what this icon has in store for us next.

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