Mark Lee Departs NCT & SM Entertainment After Decade

K-pop sensation Mark Lee, a pivotal member of the globally renowned boy group NCT, is officially departing from SM Entertainment and all NCT activities, including its prominent sub-units NCT 127 and NCT Dream. The announcement, confirmed by SM Entertainment on April 3, 2026, states that Mark's exclusive contract will conclude on April 8, marking the end of his decade-long journey with the agency and the group. The decision, a significant development in the K-pop industry, was made after "a long period of careful and thoughtful discussion" between Mark and SM Entertainment regarding his future endeavors. Mark himself addressed fans, affectionately known as Czennies, through a heartfelt handwritten letter shared across his social media platforms. In his emotional message, he expressed profound gratitude for the love and support he received over the past 10 years, acknowledging that the news might come as a shock. Mark revealed that his departure stems from deeply personal creative aspirations he has harbored since before his debut. He spoke of a long-held dream to pursue music in a more personal and unfiltered way, including busking with an acoustic guitar and exploring writing in English. He articulated a desire to dive into a more concrete version of himself and discover his true musical identity, referring to it as a "new chapter" in his life. His fellow NCT members reportedly supported his decision, a detail that deeply moved Mark. Member Chenle urged fans not to believe internet rumors or speculation surrounding Mark's departure, emphasizing that "rumors are just rumors" and there is no proof of their truth. This sentiment was echoed by Doyoung, who firmly stated that Mark's exit was not due to any conflict within the group. The emotional atmosphere surrounding NCT Dream's recent concerts, where members including Mark were seen in tears, has been re-examined by fans in light of the announcement, with many now viewing it as a premonition of his departure. With Mark's exit, NCT's sub-units will undergo lineup changes. NCT 127 will continue as a seven-member group comprising Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, and Haechan. Similarly, NCT Dream will proceed as a six-member group with Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung. It is important to distinguish this departure from Mark's previous "graduation" from NCT Dream in 2018, which was due to the group's age-based admission-and-graduation system that was later abolished in 2020, leading to his return to the unit. This current departure signifies a complete conclusion of his association with the entire NCT brand and SM Entertainment. The news has garnered widespread attention globally, with various credible media outlets in South Korea, India, and the United States reporting on the development. Mark debuted with NCT U on April 9, 2016, making his departure almost exactly a decade later. His contributions as a rapper, dancer, and songwriter across multiple NCT units, as well as his solo debut album 'The Firstfruit' in April 2025, have solidified his standing as a versatile and beloved artist. While his immediate next steps are not explicitly detailed, his letter hints at a journey focused on self-discovery and a deeper connection with his artistic roots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read Full Story on Quick Digest