Ok-pop company SM Leisure introduced that Mark Lee is leaving the label and boy group NCT, in addition to its subunits NCT 127 and NCT Dream.
The 26-year-old’s exit from the group was introduced in an announcement posted on fan platform Weverse on Friday afternoon Korean native time. “After an prolonged interval of cautious and considerate dialogue with Mark concerning his future actions, we’ve mutually agreed to enter into his exclusivity contract efficient April 8,” the assertion mentioned. “Mark will conclude all actions as a member of NCT, together with NCT 127 and NCT Dream.”
Lee has been a member of boy group NCT, which now has 24 members, since its inception in 2016. The group launched a singular system that divided it into a number of smaller teams, known as sub-units, which included each rotating and glued member configurations. Earlier this week, Lee and the members of NCT Dream concluded their world tour with six live shows in Seoul.
“Since his debut with NCT in 2016, Mark has demonstrated distinctive expertise and flexibility via group and solo actions and has delivered exceptional performances over time,” SM Leisure mentioned within the Weverse assertion. “We’re really grateful for the time he spent with us and we wholeheartedly help him as he begins a brand new chapter in his journey.”
The Korean label confirmed in its press launch that NCT 127 would proceed with a bunch of seven members (Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo and Haechan) and NCT Dream would proceed with a bunch of six members (Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle and Jisung).
Lee took to Instagram to share a message to followers in Korean and English. “Of all that my coronary heart desires to say proper now, I really need to thanks. Thanks for loving me, supporting me, and shaping me into who I’m right now,” he mentioned within the message.
“I’ll always remember the items of affection and reality that each Czennie (NCT’s fan base) gave me. I am not enjoying right here, and I am positively not enjoying together with your guys’ hearts,” he later mentioned within the put up, which a number of NCT members commented on exhibiting their help for Lee. “You make me need to be a greater individual, and I hope that my selections in life can solely have a optimistic influence on everybody who watches me.”
Lee launched his first solo album, The primary firstvirtually a 12 months in the past in April 2025. “I believe this album helped me discover myself,” the Canadian-born rapper mentioned. THR earlier than this launch.