After almost ten years with the group, Mark Lee is formally leaving SM Entertainment and all NCT units, including NCT 127 and NCT Dream. The agency confirmed on April 3 that his exclusive contract would expire on April 8, 2026.
The choice was made during a “a long period of in-depth discussion” regarding his future course, according to SM Entertainment. The departure was portrayed by the company as a mutual agreement, suggesting that both parties had given the decision some thought before making it final.
Mark Lee’s talents were also recognized by the company, which described him as a “remarkable artist” who has demonstrated outstanding ability both as a solo performer and as a member of a group. In the statement that was released, SM Entertainment mentioned:
“Since debuting in 2016 as part of NCT, Mark has demonstrated outstanding abilities not only in group promotions but also as a solo artist, showing remarkable activities over the past 10 years. We would like to convey our gratitude for the valuable time we have shared together, and we sincerely cheer on Mark as he leaves the team and begins a new leap forward.”
Mark Lee’s personal message to fans
Mark Lee gave his supporters more details about his departure through a post and a handwritten letter. In the letter, he went on to reflect on his 10-year journey since making his debut in 2016 and also expressed his gratitude for the experiences he gained through NCT.
Mark expressed his desire to pursue music more freely, stating goals like writing, touring, and busking with an acoustic guitar. He clarified that he started to doubt his long-term goals and creative identity as his contract came to an end. Mark Lee expressed his desire to “find, clearly and for real, what my music… will be” and to devote himself entirely to that endeavor. In his letter, he wrote:
“I know this may feel very sudden to everyone… But in fact, ever since my trainee days—or maybe even before that—I’ve always carried a dream in my heart. I dreamed of traveling around with just an acoustic guitar, busking on the streets, and I loved writing in English so much that I even wanted to become a writer. I was too young to fully understand that dream clearly or picture it perfectly in my head, but because I loved music and the stage, I auditioned in Canada 14 years ago, and at SM, I began my musical journey for the first time as part of NCT.”
He continued that he began to wonder what his best work and purpose would be:
“I think I naturally began to wonder: what is the best dream I can possibly dream? What is the greatest work and purpose I can have, living my life as a person named Mark?”
Mark Lee concluded:
“In the end, I found myself truly curious about what the exact, fully realized shape of that dream might be—and I wanted to dive in and devote myself to it properly. I think I’ve come to truly want to find, clearly and for real, what my music—or my “fruit”—will be and how I can bring it into fruition in this world and to make that happen no matter what.”
Following his departure, NCT 127 will continue as a 7-member group, and NCT Dream will continue as a 6-member group. Group activities will continue, according to SM Entertainment, and the organization will continue to support those members who remain. In their statement, they mentioned:
“Going forward, NCT 127 plans to continue activities with seven members—Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, and Haechan—and NCT DREAM plans to continue activities with six members—Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung.”
Mark Lee debuted in 2016 and became one of the prominent members of the group, as well as establishing himself in the K-Pop industry. His departure from the group is not related to any controversy or bad blood but rather a professional shift to concentrate on his own artistic development and new creative directions.
Stay tuned to Soap Central for more information.
Edited by Zachary D. Lyngdoh