K-pop artist Mark Lee's departure from SM Entertainment and the popular boy group NCT, along with its sub-units NCT 127 and NCT Dream, marks a significant moment in his career. This mutual decision, announced through a statement on Weverse, signifies a new chapter for both Lee and the remaining members of NCT. Lee's heartfelt message to his fanbase, Czennie, underscores his appreciation for their unwavering support and promises to continue making a positive impact with his future projects.

The announcement of Mark Lee's exit from SM Entertainment, a major player in the K-pop industry, has sent ripples through the global music scene. The decision, which comes after careful deliberation, will see Lee conclude all his activities as a member of NCT, a group he has been an integral part of since its formation in 2016. This transition follows NCT Dream's successful world tour, culminating in a series of highly anticipated performances in Seoul, highlighting Lee's contributions to the group's global reach and popularity.

Mark Lee's Departure: A New Chapter Unfolds

Mark Lee, a prominent figure in the K-pop landscape, is embarking on a new professional journey as he officially separates from SM Entertainment and the expansive boy group NCT. This significant announcement was conveyed through a statement on the fan communication platform Weverse, detailing a mutual decision to terminate his exclusive contract effective April 8. Lee's exit will encompass all his affiliations with NCT, including his roles within the popular sub-units NCT 127 and NCT Dream. His departure signals a pivotal moment for both the artist and the larger NCT collective, which was initially conceived with a unique rotating and fixed member system. The agency acknowledged Lee's exceptional talent and versatility demonstrated throughout his tenure, expressing profound gratitude for his contributions since his debut in 2016. This transition follows a recent milestone for Lee and NCT Dream, who successfully wrapped up their world tour with a series of acclaimed performances in Seoul, further cementing their global presence.

Following the official confirmation of his departure, Mark Lee personally addressed his devoted fanbase, known as Czennie, through a heartfelt message posted on Instagram, delivered in both Korean and English. In his emotional statement, Lee conveyed deep appreciation for the love, support, and profound influence his fans have had on his career and personal growth. He assured his followers that their unwavering dedication would never be forgotten, emphasizing his commitment to making a positive impact in his future endeavors. Lee's sincerity resonated deeply with fans, and several fellow NCT members publicly offered their support in the comments section of his post, highlighting the camaraderie within the group despite his impending exit. This move comes approximately a year after the release of Lee's critically acclaimed solo album, "The Firstfruit," in April 2025, an experience he described as instrumental in his self-discovery. His departure is poised to open new avenues for the Canadian-born rapper, as he seeks to evolve his artistic expression independently while leaving a lasting legacy within the NCT universe.

NCT's Evolution: Continuing Journeys for Sub-units

In the wake of Mark Lee's departure, SM Entertainment has outlined the future configurations for NCT's sub-units, ensuring their continued operation. NCT 127 will proceed as a septet, comprising Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, and Haechan, maintaining its established lineup. Similarly, NCT Dream will continue as a sextet, featuring Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung. These announcements underscore the agency's commitment to the longevity and sustained success of both groups, adapting to the change while preserving their distinct musical identities. The statement from SM Entertainment also reaffirmed their unwavering support for Mark Lee as he embarks on this new chapter, acknowledging his invaluable contributions and wishing him success in his independent pursuits. This strategic reorganization aims to maintain stability and momentum for the remaining members, allowing them to further develop their artistry and connect with their global fanbase.

The structured nature of NCT, with its innovative system of rotating and fixed sub-units, allows for such transitions while maintaining the overall brand's integrity. SM Entertainment's swift clarification regarding the future lineups of NCT 127 and NCT Dream demonstrates a proactive approach to managing the impact of Lee's departure. Both sub-units have cultivated significant fan bases and achieved considerable success independently, and their continued activities as cohesive groups are anticipated to be met with enthusiasm. The agency's emphasis on their ongoing commitment to the remaining members signifies a dedication to fostering their artistic development and ensuring their visibility in the highly competitive K-pop industry. This period of adjustment presents an opportunity for the remaining members to explore new creative directions and solidify their unique group identities, building upon the foundation established over years of shared experiences and achievements. Ultimately, while Mark Lee's exit marks the end of an era for him within NCT, it simultaneously ushers in a new phase of evolution and growth for the enduring sub-units.