SEOUL — K-pop star Mark Lee is leaving the boy band NCT and its label, SM Entertainment, with his contract set to expire on April 8.
The agency confirmed that Mark will conclude all activities with NCT, including its sub-units NCT 127 and NCT Dream. SM praised his “exceptional talent and versatility” across group and solo projects and expressed support for his next career chapter. Following his departure, NCT 127 will continue as a seven-member group, while NCT Dream will move forward with six members.
Mark, 26, debuted with NCT in 2016 as part of the first wave of members with the single The 7th Sense. He also joined the supergroup SuperM in 2019 and launched a solo career with the album The Firstfruit in 2025. In handwritten letters shared on Instagram, he thanked fans and expressed his commitment to work hard in his new endeavors, saying he hopes the “next chapter” will be met with excitement and positivity.