In an announcement that has sent shockwaves through the global music community, SM Entertainment confirmed on Friday, April 3, 2026, that Mark Lee is officially parting ways with NCT. The news marks the conclusion of a decade-long journey for the Canadian artist, who has been a cornerstone of the group’s identity since its inception in 2016.
According to the official statement released via Weverse, the decision was reached after a “long period of careful and thoughtful discussion.” Mark’s exclusive contract with the agency is set to terminate on April 8, 2026, effectively ending his participation in all sub-units, including NCT 127 and NCT Dream.
The departure is rooted in a mutual agreement to support Mark’s personal and creative evolution. Shortly after the agency’s announcement, the artist shared a heartfelt, handwritten letter on Instagram to address the “Czennies” who have supported him for ten years.
In his message, Mark revealed a long-held dream that predates his idol career: a desire to explore music in a more intimate, acoustic-driven format. “I’ve always carried a dream in my heart to travel and perform with my acoustic guitar,” he wrote, explaining that the end of his 10-year contract felt like the right moment to “dive in” to this new chapter. He emphasized that the decision was not made lightly, stating, “I’m not doing this just for fun.”
The structural impact on the group is significant. SM Entertainment has outlined the path forward for the affected sub-units:
• NCT 127 will continue as a seven-member group featuring Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, and Haechan.
• NCT Dream will move forward with six members: Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung.
The agency expressed deep gratitude for Mark’s “exceptional talent and versatility,” noting that his contributions helped define the K-pop landscape over the last decade. From his debut in NCT U on April 9, 2016, to his successful 2025 solo debut The Firstfruit, Mark has been one of the most prolific artists in the industry.
While the news has left many fans in a state of mourning, the sentiment from both the artist and his former bandmates is one of mutual respect. Mark noted that every member of NCT supported his choice, a gesture he says he will feel “tearfully grateful” for for the rest of his life.
As April 8 approaches, the focus shifts to Mark’s “next chapter.” Whether he returns as a solo folk artist or pursues a different creative path, his legacy as the hardest-working man in K-pop remains untouched. The desert stars of his past performances may be fading, but a new horizon is clearly opening for the artist formerly known as NCT’s Mark.
