On April 3, 2026, K-pop fans around the globe were met with surprising news: Mark, one of the most prominent and beloved members of the boy group NCT, will officially part ways with SM Entertainment and step down from all his group activities, including NCT 127 and NCT Dream, effective April 8. The announcement, made by SM Entertainment and quickly echoed by major Korean media outlets such as Herald Economy, Donga, and Yonhap News, marks the end of a ten-year chapter for both Mark and the sprawling NCT universe he helped define.
SM Entertainment, in a statement released on April 3, said, “We have had long and deep discussions with Mark regarding his future direction. After sufficient conversations, we have mutually agreed to conclude his exclusive contract as of April 8.” The company further clarified, “Mark will end all activities with NCT 127, NCT Dream, and all other NCT units.”
This decision comes after what the company described as “a significant period of thoughtful dialogue,” reflecting the gravity of the choice for both the artist and the agency. According to Herald Economy, SM Entertainment expressed deep gratitude for Mark’s decade-long journey, stating, “Mark has demonstrated outstanding abilities not only as a group member but also as a solo artist over the past 10 years. We are grateful for the precious time we have shared and sincerely support Mark as he embarks on a new chapter.”
With Mark’s departure, the structure of NCT’s most active subunits will shift. NCT 127 will now continue as a seven-member team, featuring Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, and Haechan. NCT Dream will move forward with six members: Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung. SM Entertainment reassured fans that it “will continue to fully support the activities of the remaining NCT members and strive to do our best for the fans who have shown unwavering love for NCT.”
Mark’s journey with SM Entertainment began in 2012 when, at just 13 years old, he passed the company’s global audition in Vancouver. Four years later, on April 9, 2016, he made his debut with NCT U through the song “The 7th Sense,” a track that would become emblematic of NCT’s innovative approach to K-pop. Mark quickly established himself as a core figure in the group’s evolving universe, debuting with NCT 127 in July 2016 and NCT Dream in August of the same year.
His role in NCT Dream was particularly unique. Initially, Mark graduated from NCT Dream upon turning 20, in line with the group’s original age-based graduation system. However, when SM Entertainment abolished the system in 2020, Mark rejoined the group, helping to solidify its lineup and further endear himself to fans. He was also a prominent member of NCT U and participated in NCT’s collective activities, showcasing his versatility and leadership across multiple configurations.
Beyond NCT, Mark ventured into other high-profile projects. He was selected for SuperM, the SM project group that brought together elite male idols from various SM acts, further cementing his reputation as a top-tier performer. In April 2025, he made his official solo debut with the album The Firstfruit, demonstrating his ability to captivate audiences as an individual artist as well.
Mark’s artistry extended beyond performance. He was widely recognized for his star quality, leadership, and technical prowess as both the main rapper and main dancer in his groups. According to Herald Economy, fans and industry insiders alike have praised his “outstanding skills and charismatic presence,” which played a pivotal role in shaping NCT’s identity over the past decade.
The timing of Mark’s departure has added an emotional layer for fans. Just five days before the announcement, he performed with NCT Dream in what would become his final concert as a member. Observers noted that Mark was visibly moved during the performance, even shedding tears on stage—a poignant moment that, in hindsight, foreshadowed the coming change.
In response to the news, Mark posted a heartfelt letter on Instagram, reaching out directly to his fanbase, known as Czennies. He expressed his deep appreciation for their unwavering support throughout his career, writing, “To the fans who have supported me for the past 10 years, even since my rookie days, I am truly grateful.” Mark went on to explain the motivation behind his decision: “Honestly, ever since I was a trainee, maybe even before that, I’ve always had a dream in my heart. I wanted to busk with just an acoustic guitar, travel around, and write in English.”
He reflected on his journey, saying, “Because I started my career with SM Entertainment and NCT, I was able to discover and understand myself better. Through NCT, I felt like I experienced the sky, the earth, the sea, and the mountains at their best.” Mark also admitted that he found himself naturally contemplating what the best purpose and work he could achieve as ‘Mark’ might be. “After much deliberation, I became curious about what the completed version of that dream would look like, and I wanted to dive in fully,” he wrote, signaling his intention to pursue a more independent and perhaps more experimental artistic path.
Mark took time to thank his bandmates and SM Entertainment, noting that he had spoken individually with each member before reaching his decision. He acknowledged the emotional weight of the announcement, particularly for fans who might be shocked or saddened, but emphasized that sharing his honest feelings was the best way forward. “I will carry gratitude for SM Entertainment, the NCT members, and Czennies for the rest of my life,” he promised. “I will work my hardest so that when I greet you again with a new image, I can show you my very best.”
SM Entertainment’s official statement mirrored this sentiment, assuring fans, “We are thankful for the precious time we have walked together and sincerely support Mark as he embarks on a new leap.” The company underscored its commitment to NCT’s future, pledging “unwavering support for the activities of the remaining members and continued dedication to the fans.”
As the dust settles, NCT’s fandom is left to process both the sadness of Mark’s departure and the excitement for what comes next. Mark’s legacy within NCT is undeniable—he has left an indelible mark on the group’s music, image, and global reach. Now, as he steps into a new phase of his career, fans and industry watchers alike will be eager to see how his artistic journey unfolds, whether it’s through acoustic busking, English songwriting, or ventures yet to be imagined.
For now, the K-pop world bids farewell to Mark as an NCT member, but his story is far from over. If his past decade is any indication, the next chapter promises both surprises and inspiration.