Mark Lee Leaves NCT and SM Entertainment After 10 Years
Mark Lee is officially leaving NCT and SM Entertainment after 10 years, ending one of K-pop’s most dedicated idol careers.
The Canadian-Korean rapper announced his departure from the powerhouse group and label through a handwritten letter to fans, with his contract terminating on April 8, 2026. After debuting with NCT U exactly 10 years ago on April 9, 2016, Mark will step away from all NCT activities including NCT 127 and NCT Dream. SM Entertainment confirmed the news came after “lengthy mutual discussions” about Mark’s future.
The End of Mark’s Multi-Unit Era
Mark’s departure marks the conclusion of one of K-pop’s most demanding careers. For an entire decade, he juggled activities across multiple NCT subunits simultaneously, becoming the backbone of SM’s experimental group concept. “I debuted as NCT U on April 9, 2016, and now that it’s already April 2026, a full 10 years have truly passed,” Mark wrote in his emotional letter to fans.
His workload was legendary even by K-pop standards. Mark maintained full-time commitments to both NCT 127 and NCT Dream while contributing to various NCT U projects. The 26-year-old artist recently concluded NCT Dream’s world tour with six shows in Seoul, making his final group performances bittersweet for fans who witnessed his journey from trainee to veteran.
Following Mark’s departure, NCT 127 will continue as a seven-member group while NCT Dream moves forward with six members. SM Entertainment stated they reached this decision through “careful and thoughtful discussion” about Mark’s artistic direction.
Member Support and Fan Reactions
The announcement sent shockwaves through the NCT fandom, but Mark’s fellow members quickly showed their support. Jeno, Jaemin, Haechan, and Chenle flooded his Instagram with heartfelt comments, demonstrating the genuine bonds formed during their decade together. “Out of all the things my heart wants to say right now, I truly wish to say thank you,” Mark posted on Instagram, acknowledging both fans and his groupmates.
Mark’s timing coincides with his recent solo debut. He released his first solo album ‘The Firstfruit’ in April 2025, showcasing a more personal artistic vision. The project hinted at his evolving interests, including long-held dreams of busking with an acoustic guitar and exploring English-language writing. He even expressed interest in becoming a writer beyond music.
What This Means for K-Pop’s Future
Mark’s departure represents more than just one idol leaving a group. It signals potential shifts in how major labels like SM Entertainment manage long-term artist development. His decision to pursue individual artistic goals after a full decade of group commitments could inspire other veteran idols to reassess their own paths.
For NCT, this marks the end of an era but potentially the beginning of a new chapter. The remaining members will need to redistribute Mark’s extensive responsibilities across rap, vocals, and leadership roles. Whether this creates opportunities for other members to shine or challenges the group’s dynamic remains to be seen.
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Sources: Soompi, Hollywood Reporter, GMA Network