Ten years. Two groups. Millions of memories. And now, a handwritten farewell letter that has broken hearts across the K-pop fandom.
On April 3, 2026, SM Entertainment officially announced that Mark Lee — one of the most beloved and hardworking members of NCT — would be departing from both NCT 127 and NCT DREAM following the conclusion of his exclusive contract, effective April 8, 2026. The 26-year-old Canadian-Korean artist had been with SM Entertainment since debuting in 2016, making this a full decade-long chapter that has now come to a close.
Mark Lee & NCT — Key Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mark Lee |
| Age | 26 |
| Groups | NCT 127, NCT DREAM |
| Debut Year | 2016 |
| Years with SM Entertainment | 10 years |
| Contract End Date | April 8, 2026 |
| NCT 127 Going Forward | 7 members (Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, Haechan) |
| NCT DREAM Going Forward | 6 members (Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, Jisung) |
What Happened — and Why It Matters
SM Entertainment stated in their official announcement that the decision came after extensive discussions with Mark about the direction of his future activities, and was reached as a mutual agreement between both parties. The label also acknowledged Mark’s remarkable journey — praising his contributions not only to NCT’s group activities but also his growth as a solo artist over the course of a decade.
What made this moment especially poignant was that Mark took to his personal social media to share a handwritten letter directly with his fans (NCTzens), confirming his exit personally and expressing heartfelt gratitude. In the world of K-pop, where such transitions are often handled entirely through corporate announcements, a handwritten letter carries enormous emotional weight. It’s the kind of gesture that fans will hold onto for years.
NCTzens around the world have been flooding social media with messages of support, celebrating a decade of dedication while wishing him well on what comes next. You can follow the latest K-pop updates and news at Technosports.
What’s Next for Mark — and for NCT?
While no solo agency announcement has been made yet, Mark’s track record as a rapper, songwriter, and performer makes him one of the most compelling prospects in the K-pop solo landscape. As for NCT 127 and NCT DREAM, both units will continue with their restructured lineups.
