The K-pop world received shocking news on April 3, 2026, when SM Entertainment confirmed that Mark Lee is leaving NCT after a full decade with the group. The 26-year-old Canadian-born rapper will officially end his exclusive contract with the agency on April 8, 2026, stepping away from all NCT activities including NCT 127 and NCT DREAM.
The announcement arrived just one day before the 10th anniversary of his debut with NCT U on April 9, 2016. After months of discussion between Mark and SM Entertainment, both sides agreed to part ways, marking one of the biggest lineup changes in the group’s history.
SM Entertainment Confirms Mark Lee’s Contract Conclusion
The agency posted an official notice on NCT 127’s Weverse platform on April 3, explaining that the decision followed “a long period of careful and thoughtful discussion” about Mark’s future path.
“We have mutually agreed to conclude his exclusive contract as of April 8, 2026. Accordingly, Mark will conclude all activities as a member of NCT, including NCT 127 and NCT DREAM.” – SM Entertainment
The company thanked Mark for his 10 years of hard work and promised to support the remaining members moving forward. Industry observers noted that this was not a sudden dispute or unexpected exit, but rather a natural conclusion to his contract with both sides choosing not to renew.
Mark Lee Shares Handwritten Letter to Fans
Shortly after SM’s statement, Mark took to Instagram to share a personal message with NCTzens (the fandom name). He wrote a handwritten letter in both Korean and English, reflecting on his journey and explaining his reasons for leaving.
Mark started by acknowledging the timing. He wrote that he debuted on April 9, 2016, and now that April 2026 has arrived, “a full 10 years have truly passed.” He said all he feels is gratitude for the stages he performed on and the memories he created.
He then opened up about a dream he has carried since his trainee days.
“Ever since my trainee days, or maybe even before that, I’ve always carried a dream in my heart. I dreamed of traveling around with just an acoustic guitar, busking on the streets. I even wanted to become a writer.” – Mark Lee
Mark explained that as his contract was ending, he started thinking deeply about what that dream really looks like. He said he felt “a strong desire to fully dive into” his personal artistic vision and discover the “true form” of his music outside the traditional idol system.
He admitted feeling scared about the uncertainty but assured fans he was not playing games with their emotions.
“I’m not playing here, and I am for sure not playing with your guys’ hearts.” – Mark Lee
Mark’s Emotional Goodbye to NCT Members
One of the most emotional parts of Mark’s letter was his message to his fellow NCT members. He revealed that he had spoken with every single member individually before making his decision.
“Every single member, without exception, told me they support me,” Mark shared. He said just thinking about those conversations made him cry. He expressed feeling both guilty and deeply grateful for their encouragement.
Several NCT members later showed their support publicly on Mark’s Instagram post. Jeno wrote, “Our leader hyung!! Let’s be happy.” Jaemin added, “Baby, don’t be sad, I’ll give you a kiss. Love you.” Haechan, who has been Mark’s closest friend and groupmate for years, simply commented “iloveyou.” Chenle wrote “Hwaiting” to encourage Mark as he starts his new chapter.
New NCT Lineups After Mark’s Departure
With Mark leaving, both NCT sub-units will adjust their member lineups.
NCT 127 will continue with seven members:
- Johnny
- Taeyong
- Yuta
- Doyoung
- Jaehyun
- Jungwoo
- Haechan
NCT DREAM will move forward with six members:
- Renjun
- Jeno
- Haechan
- Jaemin
- Chenle
- Jisung
These changes officially take effect on April 8, 2026, when Mark’s contract ends.
What’s Next for Mark Lee
Mark already started building his solo career before this announcement. He released his first solo album, “The Firstfruit,” in April 2025. In his letter, he described the album as an important step in discovering himself as an artist.
Now, with his contract ending, Mark plans to fully pursue his personal musical direction. He mentioned wanting to create more intimate, stripped-down music and even performing with just an acoustic guitar. He also expressed interest in writing songs in English, something he has wanted to try for a long time.
Mark made it clear he is not disappearing from music. He promised fans he will work hard to grow and come back as a better version of himself.
“I will carry a grateful heart for SM, the NCT members, and Czennies for the rest of my life. So that when I greet you again in the future with a new side of myself, I can be a Mark you can be proud of.” – Mark Lee
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Fan Reactions Worldwide
The news spread quickly across social media, with hashtags like #ThankYouMarkLee and #NCT trending worldwide. Fans expressed a mix of shock, sadness, and understanding.
Many fans admitted they felt blindsided because Mark has always been seen as the “face of NCT” and the member who connected all the different sub-units. One comment that spread widely said, “Mark is NCT,” capturing how essential fans believe he is to the group’s identity.
Others showed bittersweet support. One fan wrote, “I’d be lying if I said I’m not sad. But I’ll still support you. I’m always with you.” Another commented, “It makes sense. This 10-year chapter is closing.”
Some fans pointed out that recent NCT DREAM concerts had an unusually emotional and heavy mood, with members including Mark seen crying on stage. Looking back, many believe those moments showed the group processing Mark’s upcoming departure.
Mark himself acknowledged in his letter that he knows this news is a “big shock” and may cause hurt. He apologized, saying, “I’m so sorry that the result of all those long deliberations has ultimately led to this situation.”
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