Former NCT member Mark Lee is exploring a new creative direction after parting ways with SM Entertainment, revealing plans to create music specifically aimed at younger listeners.
The singer recently shared his intention to venture into “Kids-POP,” explaining how spending time with children inspired him to rethink the kind of music he wants to make.
In an episode titled “Mark Lee & Kids-POP,” released on the official Upper Room YouTube channel on October 9, 2026, Mark spent time with two children at a kids’ café before visiting a coin karaoke room.
What began as a casual outing soon turned into a source of musical inspiration, giving the singer a fresh perspective on how children experience and enjoy music.
Mark’s plans come as he builds his career independently following his departure from NCT and SM Entertainment earlier this year.
Rather than limiting himself to the musical style he became known for during his time in the group, he appears interested in exploring new audiences and creating songs that can connect with listeners across generations.
Mark Lee Finds Inspiration While Spending Time With Children
During the video, Mark quickly bonded with the two children, playing with toy cars and pretending to be a monster.
The relaxed interaction gave viewers a glimpse of his playful side before the group headed to a karaoke room.
There, Mark sang his own song “Too Much” after the children requested it.
However, as the English lyrics continued, the young listeners gradually lost interest, prompting Mark to laugh at the situation.
The children then selected songs of their own, and Mark listened closely as they sang.
Their musical choices appeared to spark an idea, leading him to consider creating songs that children could enjoy and sing along to naturally.
“I want to make songs like these, too. If I make songs like these, you have to sing along,” Mark said during the episode.
He also thanked the children for introducing him to music he might not otherwise have explored, explaining that the experience had given him ideas for his own future releases.
After the outing, Mark described the day as an “inspiration day.”
He noted that the children listened to music that was more mature than he had expected and said the experience encouraged him to consider writing lyrics from a child’s perspective.
“I think a variety of things will come out of it,” he added, suggesting that the concept could open up several creative possibilities.
Although Mark has not announced a release date or specific details for the proposed project, his comments indicate that Kids-POP is an idea he intends to explore seriously.
Mark Begins a New Musical Chapter After Leaving NCT
Mark’s interest in children’s music represents another step in his independent career.
After concluding his exclusive contract with SM Entertainment on April 8, 2026, he officially ended his activities as a member of NCT, including NCT 127 and NCT DREAM.
He subsequently established his own creative company, Upper Room, to pursue music and other projects on his own terms.
In September, Mark released “My Friend,” his first solo single following his departure from the agency.
The track marked an important milestone in his transition from group activities to an independent singer-songwriter career.
His proposed Kids-POP project would allow him to explore a different audience while continuing to develop his own artistic identity.
Rather than assuming that music for children must sound simplistic, Mark appears interested in creating songs with musical quality that younger listeners can enjoy and connect with.
The idea also reflects his broader interest in making music that can positively influence the next generation.
By drawing inspiration directly from children and observing their reactions to different songs, Mark hopes to develop a sound that feels engaging and genuine.
For now, the Kids-POP project remains a developing plan rather than a formally announced release.
Nevertheless, the singer’s latest comments have offered fans an intriguing glimpse into his ambitions beyond conventional K-pop.
As Mark continues shaping his independent career under Upper Room, fans will be watching to see how his new musical ideas take form and whether his planned children’s music project becomes one of his next major releases.
