K-pop just shifted in a big way. Mark Lee, one of the most recognisable faces in NCT, has officially parted ways with SM Entertainment after a decade-long run. The announcement landed on 3 April 2026, and the fandom has not stopped talking since. Here is everything confirmed so far.
The Official Announcement: What SM Entertainment Said
SM Entertainment released a formal statement on Weverse on 3 April 2026, confirming that both parties had reached a mutual decision. The statement read:
“After a long period of careful and thoughtful discussion with Mark regarding his future activities, we have mutually agreed to conclude his exclusive contract as of April 8.”
The agency also acknowledged Mark’s contributions directly, noting that he had “demonstrated exceptional talent and versatility through both group and solo activities” over the course of his decade with the label. SM Entertainment confirmed they would continue to support him as he moves into his next chapter.
| Detail | Information |
| Artist | Mark Lee (real name Mark Lee Minhyung) |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Age at Departure | 26 |
| SM Entertainment Joined | 2012 (as trainee) |
| NCT Debut Date | 9 April 2016 (NCT U) |
| Contract Conclusion Date | 8 April 2026 |
| Units Departed | NCT U, NCT 127, NCT DREAM |
| Announcement Platform | Weverse |
Mark Lee’s Journey With NCT: A Decade in Brief
Mark originally moved from Toronto, Canada to Seoul in 2012 to begin training under SM Entertainment. He debuted on 9 April 2016 as part of NCT U, and went on to become an active member across NCT 127, NCT DREAM, and SuperM (from 2019). He also built a solo career under the label, most recently releasing his debut studio solo album The Firstfruit in April 2025.
His departure comes exactly ten years after his debut, making the timing feel significant rather than coincidental.
Mark’s Letter to Fans: His Own Words
Mark shared a handwritten letter on Instagram, written in both Korean and English, to address his fans (known as Czennies) directly. Rather than citing disagreements, the letter painted a picture of personal ambition that had been quietly growing for years.
He wrote:
“Since my trainee days, maybe even before that, I’ve always had a dream in my heart. I wanted to walk around busking on the streets with just an acoustic guitar, and I loved writing in English so much that I even dreamed of becoming a writer.”
He went on to acknowledge the weight of the decision: “My heart feels really, truly heavy. I spent a long time thinking deeply about what the most mature choice and the best way forward would be.”
However, he ended on a forward-looking note, promising fans: “When I greet you again with a new side of me, I will do my absolute best so that I can be a better version of Mark.”
He also directly addressed Czennies: “I will never forget the pieces of love and truth each and every Czennie gave me.”
Key Points From Mark’s Departure
- Contract ended mutually after a long period of discussion between Mark and SM Entertainment
- Official last day as an NCT member is 8 April 2026
- Mark cited long-held personal dreams including busking, writing, and pursuing music on his own terms as the motivation behind the decision
- His solo album The Firstfruit (2025) already hinted at a growing independent artistic identity
- Members Chenle, Jaemin, Jeno, and Haechan left supportive comments on his Instagram post
- Doyoung posted a separate message on his own Instagram Stories, expressing personal support and asking fans not to speculate about member relationships
What Doyoung Said
Doyoung’s response stood out as one of the most thoughtful reactions from within the group. He wrote in Korean: “I felt that just waiting for time to pass without saying anything would be neither like me nor like NCT 127, so I will express my feelings in my own words.”
He made clear that he respected Mark’s decision and supported his choice personally. Doyoung also made a direct appeal to fans: “If speculation arises about the relationship between Mark and the members, I’d feel an unbearable sense of sadness and injustice, so please allow us to cherish and protect the beautiful relationship we have shared with our fans for over 10 years.”
What Happens to NCT Now?
SM Entertainment confirmed the group’s revised lineups clearly in the official statement. Both units continue forward, just with adjusted rosters.
| Unit | Continuing Members |
| NCT 127 | Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, Haechan (7 members) |
| NCT DREAM | Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, Jisung (6 members) |
Both groups will continue activities, and SM Entertainment confirmed they will provide their full support to the remaining members going forward.
The Timing
Mark’s departure arrived just days after NCT DREAM wrapped up their The Dream Show 4: Dream the Future tour on 29 March 2026 in Seoul, which was also live-streamed. Fans noted that multiple members were visibly emotional at the finale, and given the timing, many have since reinterpreted those moments in a new light.
The announcement also drew immediate comparisons across social media to Zayn Malik leaving One Direction in 2015, pointing to just how significant Mark was to NCT’s identity and global image.
Fan Reactions: Shock, Support, and Everything In Between
The response across social media has been emotional and divided. Longtime fans expressed genuine shock at the announcement, given how central Mark has been to NCT across all its phases. However, a large portion of the fandom also voiced full support for his personal decision, particularly after reading his heartfelt letter.
Some fans highlighted that his 10-year contract running from April 2016 to April 2026 made this a natural endpoint rather than a surprise exit. Others found the emotional weight harder to process, particularly given how the NCT DREAM tour finale now reads in hindsight.
What Comes Next for Mark Lee?
Mark has not announced specific plans beyond the letter, but the themes running through his words point clearly toward a more personal and self-directed artistic path. His hints at busking, writing, and exploring his musical identity outside the idol structure suggest the next chapter will look very different from what came before.
His solo album The Firstfruit (2025) already demonstrated his ability to operate independently. The expectation from fans and industry observers is that he will move forward as a solo artist, though no label or project announcements have been made as of 5 April 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Mark Lee officially confirmed his departure from NCT, NCT 127, and NCT DREAM on 3 April 2026
- His exclusive contract with SM Entertainment concludes on 8 April 2026
- SM Entertainment confirmed the split was mutual, reached after extensive discussions
- NCT 127 continues as a 7-member group and NCT DREAM continues as a 6-member group
- Mark’s handwritten letter cited personal dreams and the desire for artistic independence as the driving force behind the decision
- Doyoung posted a separate public message urging fans not to speculate about member relationships
- Mark’s final tour appearance was the NCT DREAM The Dream Show 4 finale on 29 March 2026
- No solo projects or new agency announcements have been confirmed as of 5 April 2026
Ten years is a long time in any industry, and in K-pop it is practically a career in itself. Mark Lee gave NCT a decade of genuine dedication, and his letter made clear that the gratitude runs deep on both sides. Whatever comes next for him, the foundation he built across NCT 127, NCT DREAM, and his own solo work gives him a strong platform to step forward from. Czennies will be watching, and from the tone of that letter, so will he.
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