In a move that has sent shockwaves across the K-pop industry, NCT member Mark Lee has officially announced his departure from the group, closing a remarkable 10-year chapter that helped shape one of K-pop’s most ambitious projects.
According to SM Entertainment, the decision was reached after “extensive and thoughtful discussions,” with both parties mutually agreeing to terminate Mark’s exclusive contract as of April 8, 2026. With this, Mark will conclude all activities not only with NCT but also its key subunits, NCT 127 and NCT DREAM.
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| Photo Credit- SM ENTERTAINMENT |
Mark’s departure marks the exit of one of NCT’s most defining figures. As the first member introduced during the group’s 2016 debut rollout, he became synonymous with NCT’s identity—an artist who stood at the very center of its “limitless expansion” concept.
Over the years, he seamlessly balanced roles across multiple units, consistently anchoring title tracks and global promotions. Whether performing in packed arenas worldwide or leading verses in complex, genre-blending tracks, Mark embodied the “Neo” sound and vision that set NCT apart.
His impact extended beyond NCT’s core units. As part of SuperM, he contributed to global milestones, including a historic No. 1 on the Billboard 200—solidifying his status as a key player in K-pop’s international expansion.
By the numbers, Mark’s decade-long career reflects an almost unprecedented level of activity. With more than 50 album participations across NCT projects, subunits, SuperM, and solo releases, he averaged close to five comebacks per year.
His schedule extended far beyond studio recordings. Multiple world tours with both NCT 127 and NCT DREAM saw him perform across dozens of cities per tour, often exceeding 40 shows. Add to that NCT full-group concerts, SuperM tours, fan meetings, variety appearances, and endorsements—and it becomes clear: rest was a rarity.
Yet through it all, Mark maintained consistency and growth. Once entering a company where rap was not traditionally its strongest suit, he developed into one of SM’s most reliable performers—balancing sharp lyric delivery with powerful stage presence.
In a heartfelt handwritten letter, Mark described his time with NCT as “the greatest voyage,” but revealed a long-standing desire to explore music on a deeper, more personal level.
He spoke of a growing passion for creative expression—mentioning interests such as acoustic guitar and songwriting—and a curiosity about the “complete form” of his artistic dreams. “I want to dive fully into that dream,” he shared, signaling a shift from idol schedules toward individual artistry.
Despite the difficult decision, his message was filled with gratitude. He expressed deep appreciation for his members, admitting he felt both “sorry and thankful to the point of tears,” and credited their support as a driving force behind his courage to move forward.
The emotional weight of Mark’s departure has been felt deeply within the group. Members of NCT DREAM, who recently concluded their tour, shared messages encouraging fans while acknowledging the difficulty of letting go.
Meanwhile, NCT 127 members publicly voiced their respect for his decision, emphasizing trust and long-standing bonds built over more than a decade together.
Fans, too, have been revisiting recent concert moments—particularly emotional finales that now seem to foreshadow the farewell—adding another layer of poignancy to the announcement.
Mark’s departure comes amid a notable period of change for SM Entertainment. Earlier this year, industry icon BoA also ended her long-standing contract with the company after 25 years, marking the exit of another foundational figure.
The back-to-back departures of such influential artists have sparked conversations about a generational shift within the agency and the evolving paths of its biggest stars.
As Mark steps away, NCT enters a new phase. NCT 127 will continue as a seven-member group, while NCT DREAM reorganizes into six members—both facing the challenge of redefining their sound and identity without one of their central figures.
For Mark, however, the departure is less an ending and more a beginning. After a decade defined by relentless momentum and global success, he is choosing to place a period where there was never a pause—closing one story to fully write his own.
And in doing so, one of K-pop’s most recognizable voices now turns toward a future entirely of his own making.