The Ok-pop trade is presently processing the top of a definitive period as Mark Lee, a pivotal determine within the international success of NCT, has introduced his departure from SM Leisure.
The information, which surfaced on April 3, 2026, confirms that the multi-talented artist might be leaving the company and the group that has been his house for the previous ten years.
His contract is ready to formally terminate on April 8, marking a full decade since his debut and leaving a large void in some of the profitable musical collectives on the earth.
A Mutual Settlement and the Impression on Subunits
The announcement got here via a proper assertion from SM Leisure, which clarified that the choice was the results of an extended, considerate dialogue between the artist and the administration crew.
The company characterised the cut up as an amicable one, stating that each events took the time to debate Mark’s private imaginative and prescient for his profession and his want for a brand new inventive course. Of their official communication, the company famous:
“After an extended interval of in-depth discussions with Mark concerning the course of his future actions and following satisfactory conversations between each events, we got here to a mutual settlement to conclude his unique contract as of April 8.”
The departure creates a big ripple impact throughout the NCT ecosystem. Mark was famously one of many few members to bridge a number of items concurrently.
Following his exit, NCT 127 will proceed as a seven-member lineup, whereas NCT DREAM will transition right into a six-member group.
SM Leisure expressed their profound gratitude for his unwavering work ethic since 2016, including:
“Mark has demonstrated excellent skills not solely in group promotions but in addition as a solo artist, exhibiting exceptional actions over the previous 10 years.
We wish to convey our gratitude for the precious time now we have shared collectively.”
Pursuing a New Artistic Voice and Future Goals
In a poignant letter shared straight together with his followers, Mark mirrored on his decade-long journey and the motivations behind this tough selection.
He revealed that whereas he’s deeply grateful for the “idol” life, he has felt an growing pull towards the easy, uncooked musical pursuits he had earlier than his coaching started.
He talked about a want to give attention to acoustic music and his love for writing, which frequently needed to take a backseat to the rigorous schedule of a worldwide famous person.
Mark expressed the emotional weight of leaving his teammates, referring to them as his major help system throughout this transition. He shared:
“Each single member, with out exception, instructed me they help me.”
Regardless of this encouragement, he admitted to feeling a way of unhappiness for his followers and colleagues, writing that he felt “tearfully grateful and eternally sorry” to those that have stood by him.
Reflecting on his tenure, he famous:
“I debuted with NCT U on April 9, 2016, and now that it’s April 2026, ten complete years have already handed.
Throughout these ten years, so many issues occurred, we carried out on so many phases, and most of all, I believe we made numerous reminiscences collectively.”
He concluded by promising his supporters that he would work laborious to return with a “new aspect” of himself that they might be happy with, marking April 8 not as a last goodbye, however as the beginning of a brand new, unbiased chapter in his life.
