After 10 years with NCT, Mark Lee is officially parting ways with SM Entertainment.
In a statement released April 3, SM Entertainment confirmed that both sides reached a mutual agreement to conclude Mark’s exclusive contract on April 8. The idol will also end all activities with NCT units, including NCT 127 and NCT DREAM.
“After a long period of in-depth discussions… we came to a mutual agreement to conclude his exclusive contract,” the agency said, thanking Mark for “the valuable time” spent together and expressing support for his next chapter.
Mark, who debuted with NCT in 2016, reflected on his 10-year journey in a heartfelt message to fans, expressing gratitude and acknowledging the difficulty of his decision.
“I’ve truly, truly been nothing but happy,” he shared, adding that he now wants to pursue a new dream and “find… what my music… will be.”
In an English handwritten letter, he further reassured fans:
“Out of all the things my heart wants to say right now, I truly wish to say thank you… I truly believe that our hearts have better sight than our eyes, and what my heart sees right now isn’t a closing door but rather an opening new one.”
“If I had ever done something right to have gained your trust over the last decade, I hope you believe me… I’m not doing this just for me… You guys make me want to be a better person.”
“I’ll really be working very, very hard to make it all make sense. Love you all so much.”
The artist also expressed hope that this transition marks “a new chapter” for both him and his fans, while assuring them that he will continue to grow and work hard moving forward.
Following his departure, NCT 127 will continue as a seven-member group, while NCT DREAM will promote with six members.
Meanwhile, NCT Dream members left messages of support for Mark.
NCT members leave supportive messages on Mark's statement following his departure from NCT. pic.twitter.com/vqGC4oobYh
— About Music (@AboutMusicYT) April 3, 2026
Fans, on the other hand, pointed out how NCT Dream members were emotional during their recent show together.
Now it makes sense why Jisung was crying
— Single Inferno s5 (@kdramahotgists) April 3, 2026
Mark Lee is leaving NCT https://t.co/Yho6tEtsbT pic.twitter.com/0v9XJ3Wknv
March 29th recording shows that Haechan started breaking down as soon as he saw Mark Lee crying. pic.twitter.com/wY9rWQI019
— EMPIRE (@EmpireIX) April 3, 2026
mark renjun and haechan are crying during rainbow 🥺
— ㄲㅁ (@mybelovesun) March 29, 2026
haechan started crying after seeing mark cryㅠㅠㅠㅠ pic.twitter.com/dwTQihDST3
