On April 3, 2026, a wave of emotion swept through the K-pop world as SM Entertainment, one of South Korea’s most influential music agencies, announced that Mark, a founding member of NCT, would be ending his exclusive contract with the company on April 8. The news, confirmed by multiple outlets including Billboard Korea, Newsis, The Fact, and Star News, marks the end of a decade-long chapter for Mark, who has been a central figure in both NCT 127 and NCT DREAM.
“After long and deep discussions, we have mutually agreed to conclude Mark’s exclusive contract on April 8,” SM Entertainment stated, expressing gratitude for the years spent together and extending their support for Mark’s future endeavors. The announcement was not a sudden decision, but rather the culmination of extensive conversations about the direction of Mark’s career and life after ten years with the company. “We are thankful for the precious time we have shared with Mark and sincerely wish him the best as he embarks on a new journey,” the agency added, as reported by Star News and Sports Donga.
Mark, whose real name is Mark Lee, debuted with NCT in April 2016 and quickly became known for his versatility as both a group and solo artist. Over the years, he’s been a fixture in NCT’s various subunits, particularly NCT 127 and NCT DREAM, helping to shape the group’s global sound and identity. His departure means that NCT 127 will continue as a seven-member group—Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, and Haechan—while NCT DREAM will move forward with six members: Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung (Newsis, The Fact).
The news was accompanied by a poignant handwritten letter from Mark himself, posted on his social media. In the letter, he looked back on his journey with SM and NCT, expressing heartfelt thanks to his fellow members, fans—affectionately known as “Sizzy”—and the company that first gave him a stage. “There have been so many stages and memories over these ten years,” Mark wrote. “Because I started at SM and with NCT, I was able to discover myself and find the best version of who I am. I am truly grateful.”
Mark didn’t shy away from discussing the emotional weight of his decision. “All the members supported me, every single one,” he shared, describing how their encouragement moved him to tears. “I am forever sorry and, above all, grateful. To the members who have been on this journey with me, I sincerely thank you and love you.” His words, as quoted by Billboard Korea, resonated with fans and fellow idols alike, highlighting the deep bonds formed during their shared years.
For Mark, the decision to move on was not made lightly. He reflected on a dream that predated his idol career—a vision of busking with an acoustic guitar and writing, passions that he now intends to pursue more fully. “Since my trainee days, I dreamed of singing on the streets with just an acoustic guitar and writing,” he revealed. “After experiencing the world through ten years of activities, I’ve been thinking deeply about what I truly want to achieve. Now, I want to immerse myself in finding the complete picture of that dream.”
His departure comes on the heels of his last performance as an NCT member at the ‘2026 NCT DREAM TOUR THE DREAM SHOW 4: FUTURE THE DREAM FINALE’ concert, held at Seoul’s Olympic Park KSPO DOME from March 20–22 and 27–29. According to The Fact, this concert now stands as a poignant farewell, the final time Mark would stand on stage as part of the NCT ensemble. The timing of his announcement, just days after the concert, added a bittersweet note for fans who had only recently cheered for him in person.
Mark’s letter also acknowledged the shock and pain his departure might bring to fans. “I know this change could be a big shock and pain, and my heart is heavy,” he admitted. “The best I can do now is to convey my genuine feelings.” He thanked the fans for making him happy every single day for ten years, adding, “Because of your love and memories, I was able to become who I am today.”
The support among NCT members was evident not just in Mark’s words but in their actions. On April 3, Haechan, a fellow NCT member and longtime friend, posted a message on social media reading “Forever Childream,” alongside photos of himself and Mark, which many interpreted as a heartfelt sendoff. The two, who entered SM as trainees in 2013 and debuted together, have shared a close friendship and musical journey, making the farewell particularly moving (SPOTV News).
SM Entertainment, for its part, has emphasized its commitment to supporting the remaining NCT members. “We will continue to provide full support for NCT members’ activities and will do our best for the fans who love NCT,” the agency stated. Their message was clear: while Mark’s departure marks the end of an era, the group’s story is far from over.
Mark’s time with SM and NCT was, by all accounts, extraordinary. “Through NCT, I feel like I’ve experienced the sky, the earth, the sea, and the mountains to the fullest,” he wrote, reflecting on the breadth of his journey. “No matter what music I make in the future, I will never forget that my beginning was with SM, NCT, and Sizzy.”
Industry observers note that Mark’s next steps will be closely watched, given his stated desire to explore music and writing in new ways. His openness about his dreams and the reasons for his departure have only deepened the respect and affection fans feel for him. And while the transition may be difficult, both for Mark and the millions who have followed his career, there’s a palpable sense of hope and anticipation for what comes next.
As the curtain falls on Mark’s chapter with NCT and SM, the legacy he leaves behind is one of gratitude, growth, and a relentless pursuit of purpose. Whatever the future holds, his journey stands as a testament to the power of dreams—and the courage it takes to chase them, wherever they may lead.