The K-pop industry is currently processing the end of a definitive era as Mark Lee, a pivotal figure in the global success of NCT, has announced his departure from SM Entertainment.
The news, which surfaced on April 3, 2026, confirms that the multi-talented artist will be leaving the agency and the group that has been his home for the past ten years.
His contract is set to officially terminate on April 8, marking a full decade since his debut and leaving a massive void in one of the most successful musical collectives in the world.
A Mutual Agreement and the Impact on Subunits
The announcement came through a formal statement from SM Entertainment, which clarified that the decision was the result of a long, thoughtful dialogue between the artist and the management team.
The agency characterized the split as an amicable one, stating that both parties took the time to discuss Mark’s personal vision for his career and his desire for a new creative direction. In their official communication, the agency noted:
“After a long period of in-depth discussions with Mark regarding the direction of his future activities and following adequate conversations between both parties, we came to a mutual agreement to conclude his exclusive contract as of April 8.”
The departure creates a significant ripple effect across the NCT ecosystem. Mark was famously one of the few members to bridge multiple units simultaneously.
Following his exit, NCT 127 will proceed as a seven-member lineup, while NCT DREAM will transition into a six-member group.
SM Entertainment expressed their profound gratitude for his unwavering work ethic since 2016, adding:
“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.”
Pursuing a New Creative Voice and Future Dreams
In a poignant letter shared directly with his fans, Mark reflected on his decade-long journey and the motivations behind this difficult choice.
He revealed that while he is deeply grateful for the “idol” life, he has felt an increasing pull toward the simple, raw musical interests he had before his training began.
He mentioned a desire to focus on acoustic music and his love for writing, which often had to take a backseat to the rigorous schedule of a global superstar.
Mark expressed the emotional weight of leaving his teammates, referring to them as his primary support system during this transition. He shared:
“Every single member, without exception, told me they support me.”
Despite this encouragement, he admitted to feeling a sense of sadness for his fans and colleagues, writing that he felt “tearfully grateful and forever sorry” to those who have stood by him.
Reflecting on his tenure, he noted:
“I debuted with NCT U on April 9, 2016, and now that it’s April 2026, ten whole years have already passed.
During those ten years, so many things happened, we performed on so many stages, and most of all, I think we made countless memories together.”
He concluded by promising his supporters that he would work hard to return with a “new side” of himself that they could be proud of, marking April 8 not as a final goodbye, but as the start of a new, independent chapter in his life.
