Something is shifting in K-pop — and fans are struggling to keep up. SM Entertainment confirmed that Mark Lee will no longer be part of any NCT activities after April 8, 2026, concluding his exclusive contract after a decade with the label — covering both NCT 127 and NCT DREAM. The Phrasemaker Coming hot on the heels of multiple other high-profile exits, the K-pop fandom is in collective shock.
Table of Contents
2026 K-Pop Exit Wave — At a Glance
| Idol | Group | Label | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Lee | NCT 127 / NCT DREAM | SM Entertainment | Departed April 8, 2026 |
| Heeseung | ENHYPEN | BELIFT LAB (HYBE) | Departed March 10, 2026 |
| Danielle | NewJeans | ADOR (HYBE) | Contract terminated Dec 2025 |
| Manon | KATSEYE | HYBE x Geffen Records | Temporary hiatus (Feb 2026) |
Mark Lee — End of a Decade with NCT
SM Entertainment stated: “Since his debut with NCT in 2016, Mark has demonstrated exceptional talent and versatility through both group and solo activities. We are truly grateful for the time he spent with us, and we wholeheartedly support him as he begins a new chapter.” AOL
With Mark’s exit, NCT 127 will continue as a seven-member group — Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, and Haechan — while NCT DREAM moves forward as a permanent six-member unit. Gulf News Fans’ reaction was swift and emotional — one tearful post read simply, “Mark is NCT.”
Heeseung, Danielle & Manon — The HYBE Pattern Fans Can’t Ignore
BELIFT LAB confirmed on March 10 that Heeseung would part ways with ENHYPEN, citing his “distinct musical vision,” with the group continuing official activities as a six-member unit.
In December 2025, ADOR terminated the exclusive contract of NewJeans’ Danielle Marsh, later filing a lawsuit for roughly $30 million in damages amid an ongoing dispute with former ADOR CEO Min Heejin.
KATSEYE’s Manon Bannerman went on a health-related hiatus from February 20, 2026, with HYBE x Geffen confirming the break while reassuring fans the group would continue forward.
Fans online summarised the mounting frustration: “There is something wrong with HYBE. Garam, Manon, Danielle, and now Heeseung — they have a weird pattern of removing one member from each of their groups.”
K-pop’s global idol group system has faced growing scrutiny over member exits — learn more about the industry’s structure on Wikipedia.
For the latest K-pop news, group updates and idol exits, follow TechnoSports Entertainment and our K-pop section.
FAQs
Q: Why did Mark Lee leave NCT?
SM Entertainment confirmed it was a mutual decision following “careful and thoughtful discussions” about Mark’s future — he will now pursue a solo career outside the label.
Q: Is ENHYPEN disbanding after Heeseung’s exit?
No — ENHYPEN is continuing as a six-member group with Jungwon, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, and Ni-ki, with a 2026 world tour still on track.
