Mark Lee’s decision to leave SM Entertainment reshuffles NCT’s formations and raises questions about his musical path beyond the group
The K-pop industry has seen another high-profile transition: Mark Lee is leaving SM Entertainment and will no longer perform as a member of NCT or its subunits. In a post shared on the fan platform Weverse, the agency said that after prolonged discussions they reached a mutual agreement to terminate his exclusive contract and that his contract will conclude as of April 8. The company also confirmed that Mark will finish all activities as a member of NCT, including participation in NCT 127 and NCT Dream.
Mark is a Canadian-born artist who debuted with the collective in 2016 and has been active across the project’s rotating structure ever since. The broader NCT concept—built around multiple smaller formations and flexible lineups—has featured up to 24 members in total. Most recently, Mark took part in the group’s global performances and helped close a run of shows in Seoul that wrapped a multi-leg world tour. At 26 years old, his departure marks a significant career turning point for both the artist and the agency.
In its official statement on Weverse, SM Entertainment praised Mark’s long tenure with the company, noting his adaptability across group and solo endeavors and expressing gratitude for his contributions. The label emphasized that the decision followed careful, mutual conversations about his career direction and that they support him as he embarks on a new chapter. The agency also made clear that, despite the change in status, the groups affiliated with the NCT umbrella will continue under refreshed member arrangements.
Mark responded directly to supporters with a bilingual Instagram message, offering thanks to fans for their love and influence on his development. He acknowledged the bond with Czennie—NCT’s fandom—expressing hope that his choices will have a positive impact on those watching. Several fellow members left supportive comments under his post, signaling a warm public farewell and emphasizing that personal decisions were made thoughtfully. His tone balanced gratitude and forward-looking intent rather than finality or dramatics.
SM confirmed the immediate practical effect of Mark’s departure on the project’s subunits. NCT 127 will continue as a seven-member unit consisting of Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo and Haechan, while NCT Dream will proceed as a six-member lineup made up of Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle and Jisung. These formations preserve the groups’ promotional and performance schedules, with the agency indicating that existing plans will proceed under the updated rosters.
Mark’s catalogue includes both group contributions and independent work: notably, he released his first solo album, The Firstfirst, in April 2026, a project he said helped him clarify aspects of his artistic identity. That solo record and his ongoing involvement in live concerts showcased his range as a rapper and performer. With the termination of his exclusive contract, industry observers are watching for announcements about new management, independent releases or collaborations that could define the next phase of his career.
Fans and peers have largely framed the news as a bittersweet milestone: appreciation for what Mark contributed to NCT mixed with curiosity about future moves. The solidarity shown in comment threads, along with the label’s public support, suggests a civil parting of ways. Whether Mark pursues solo artistry, joins another company, or takes time away from the spotlight, the combined signals from his recent album, tour activity and public statements point toward continued musical ambitions and a desire to shape his own creative path.
Ultimately, the departure of Mark Lee from SM Entertainment and NCT represents both an endpoint and a starting line: it closes a chapter that began at debut in 2016 while opening possibilities for fresh projects and personal growth. For fans and industry watchers alike, the coming months will reveal how his career evolves outside the collective format that brought him international recognition.