Overview
- SM Entertainment said Friday that Mark Lee will conclude his contract on April 8, ending all activities with NCT, including NCT 127 and NCT Dream.
- NCT 127 will proceed with Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo and Haechan, while NCT Dream will continue with Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle and Jisung.
- In a handwritten Instagram letter, Mark thanked fans and said he wants to pursue long-held creative goals such as busking with an acoustic guitar and writing.
- He wrote that every NCT member supported his choice, and several members posted public messages of encouragement as fans reacted with shock and strong emotion online.
- Mark debuted with NCT in 2016, worked across multiple sub-units and SuperM, released the solo album The Firstfruit in April 2025, and has not announced a new label or concrete solo plans.