Summary (tl;dr)

Mark Lee, a prominent member of the K-pop group NCT, is departing from the group and its agency, SM Entertainment, effective April 8, 2026, following a decade-long career. His departure, announced today, will lead to significant changes in the lineups of NCT 127 and NCT Dream.

Essential Background

Mark Lee, born on August 2, 1999, is a Canadian rapper and singer who has been a central figure in the South Korean boy band NCT since its debut in 2016. He has actively participated in several of NCT's sub-units, including NCT U, NCT 127, and NCT Dream, as well as the supergroup SuperM, earning him a reputation as an "all-rounder" due to his versatile talents. Throughout his career, Mark has been involved in over 100 songs and numerous world tours. In April 2025, he also debuted as a solo artist with his first studio album, "The Firstfruit."

The Full Story

On April 3, 2026, SM Entertainment officially announced that Mark Lee would terminate his exclusive contract with the agency and depart from NCT and all its sub-units, including NCT 127 and NCT Dream, as of April 8, 2026. This decision comes after "sufficient and deep discussions" between Mark and the company regarding his future activities. Prior to the official announcement, speculation arose after Mark became visibly emotional during an NCT Dream encore concert in Seoul on March 29, breaking down in tears while performing "Rainbow". Following SM Entertainment's statement, Mark shared a heartfelt handwritten letter on Instagram, expressing gratitude to his fans and members, describing his departure as "not a closing door but rather an opening new one". He also alluded to long-held personal dreams of busking with an acoustic guitar and writing in English, indicating a desire to explore a more personal musical path. Moving forward, NCT 127 will continue as a seven-member group, and NCT Dream will proceed as a six-member group.

Why It Matters

Mark Lee's departure is a significant event for NCT and its dedicated fanbase, NCTzens, as he has been one of the group's most active and prominent members across multiple units since their debut. His versatility as a rapper, dancer, and vocalist, along with his role in many of NCT's popular tracks and global activities, has made him a beloved figure. Fans are expressing heartbreak over his exit from the group, which marks a major shift in NCT's lineup and future trajectory. While his decision to pursue personal dreams resonates with many, the news still comes as a shock, impacting the dynamic of both NCT 127 and NCT Dream.

Geographic Location

• Seoul, South Korea (SM Entertainment's announcement of contract termination and Mark Lee's emotional concert)