SM Entertainment has officially announced the departure of prominent K-pop idol Mark Lee from the group NCT, following the conclusion of his exclusive contract on April 8th. The news, delivered via the agency’s official Weverse platform on Friday, April 3rd, marks a significant change for both Mark Lee and the popular K-pop collective.
According to the statement, this pivotal decision was reached after extensive and thorough discussions between Mark Lee and SM Entertainment regarding his future career trajectory. “After a period of long and mature discussions with Mark regarding his future activities, we have mutually agreed to terminate the exclusive contract on April 8th,” SM Entertainment conveyed through their Weverse announcement, underscoring the collaborative nature of the resolution.
Since his debut in 2016, Mark Lee has been recognized as a key figure within the NCT universe, actively contributing to various sub-units, most notably NCT 127 and NCT Dream. Throughout his tenure, he consistently showcased remarkable versatility in both group and solo activities, cementing his status as a beloved and impactful artist in the K-pop industry.
SM Entertainment also extended its profound appreciation for Mark Lee’s dedicated journey with the agency. “We sincerely thank him for the time he has spent with us and will fully support his new endeavors moving forward,” the statement affirmed, wishing him well in his future pursuits outside of NCT.
In light of this development, NCT 127 is set to continue its activities as a seven-member group, while NCT Dream will proceed with six members. These adjustments reflect the evolving landscape of the popular K-pop units as they adapt to Mark Lee’s departure.
Concurrently, Mark Lee personally addressed his devoted fanbase, known as Czennies, by posting a heartfelt letter on his Instagram account, @onyourm__ark. His message conveyed deep gratitude and reassurance to those who have supported him throughout his career.
“I will never forget every form of love and sincerity given to me by every Czennie. I’m not messing around here, and I’m clearly not playing with your feelings either,” Mark Lee penned, offering a sincere and earnest reflection on his bond with fans. He further expressed his personal growth and aspirations, stating, “You make me want to be a better person, and I hope every decision I make in life can have a positive impact on anyone who sees it.” His words underscore a commitment to making meaningful choices that resonate positively with his audience, embarking on a new chapter with a hopeful and grateful outlook.
Summary
SM Entertainment announced Mark Lee’s official departure from NCT on April 3rd, following the conclusion of his exclusive contract on April 8th. This decision was reached through mutual agreement after extensive discussions between Mark Lee and the agency regarding his future career trajectory. Mark Lee has been a key figure within the NCT universe, contributing significantly to NCT 127 and NCT Dream since his debut in 2016.
Following his departure, NCT 127 is set to continue as a seven-member group, while NCT Dream will proceed with six members. SM Entertainment expressed profound appreciation for Mark Lee’s dedicated journey and pledged full support for his new endeavors. Mark Lee personally addressed his fans, Czennies, on Instagram, conveying deep gratitude and a commitment to making positive choices in his new chapter.