K-pop powerhouse SM Entertainment has announced that Mark Lee is bidding adieu to the label and boy group NCT, along with its subdivisions NCT 127 and NCT Dream. The 26-year-old's departure from the group was announced in a statement released on the fan platform Weverse on Friday afternoon, Korean local time.
"After an extensive and thoughtful discussion with Mark about his future endeavors, we have mutually agreed to terminate his exclusive contract as of April 8," the statement reads. "Mark will conclude all his activities as a member of NCT, including NCT 127 and NCT Dream."
Lee has been a member of the now-24-member boy group NCT since its inception in 2016. The group introduced a groundbreaking system that divided it into several smaller groups, known as subunits, which included both rotating and fixed member configurations. Earlier this week, Lee and the members of NCT Dream wrapped up their world tour with six shows in Seoul.
"Since his debut with NCT in 2016, Mark has showcased exceptional talent and versatility through both group and solo activities, delivering remarkable performances over the years," SM Entertainment said in the Weverse statement. "We are truly grateful for the time he spent with us, and we wholeheartedly support him as he embarks on a new chapter in his journey."
The Korean label confirmed in their statement that NCT 127 will continue as a seven-member group (Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, and Haechan) and NCT Dream will continue as a six-member group (Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung).
Lee took to Instagram to share a message to fans in both Korean and English. "Out of all the things my heart wants to say right now, I truly wish to say thank you. Thank you for loving, supporting, and shaping me to become who I am today," he said in the post.
"I will never forget the pieces of love and truth each and every Czennie (NCT's fanbase) gave me. I'm not playing here, and I am for sure not playing with your guys' hearts," he later said in the post, which several members of NCT commented under showing Lee support. "You guys make me want to be a better person, and I hope my decisions in life can only become a positive impact to anyone watching."
Lee released his first solo album, The Firstfirst, nearly one year ago in April 2025. "I think this album helped me find myself," the Canadian-born rapper told The Hollywood Reporter ahead of that release.
