entertainment
NCT's Mark leaves SM Entertainment after 10 years
SM Entertainment announced on April 3 that founding NCT member Mark will leave the agency on April 8, ending his roles in NCT 127 and NCT DREAM and prompting emotional fan reactions.
Apr 3rd 2026 · South Korea
Insights
- SM Entertainment said Mark's exclusive contract will end on April 8 by mutual agreement.
- Mark will conclude activities with NCT 127 and NCT DREAM after nearly a decade with the agency.
- The agency described the split as amicable and thanked Mark for his work over the past 10 years.
- Mark posted a personal message thanking fans and said he is uncertain but determined about his next steps.
- SM confirmed both NCT 127 and NCT DREAM will continue with their remaining members.
Sources
- Mark of NCT to leave group and SM www.koreaherald.com
- Mark Lee pens emotional post after leaving NCT: 'I will never forget where I started' gulfnews.com
- NCT Mark exits after 10 years: 'It makes sense why Jisung was crying' fans react gulfnews.com
- Mark Lee leaves NCT after 10 years to pursue his dreams in busking: 'With just an acoustic guitar' gulfnews.com
- Singer Mark to leave K-pop boy band NCT and agency SM Entertainment www.straitstimes.com
- NCT’s Mark to leave K-pop group, SM Entertainment after 10 years www.channelnewsasia.com
- NCT 127 future after Mark Lee's exit explained: Lineup changes, military service and inactive members gulfnews.com