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Mark Lee Departs NCT After 10 Years

  //media-entertainment.news-articles.net/content/ .. 6/04/03/mark-lee-departs-nct-after-10-years.html
  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, April 3rd 2026 at 10:21 GMT by Teen Vogue
      Locales: KOREA REPUBLIC OF, CHINA

Seoul, South Korea - April 3, 2026 - Mark Lee, a cornerstone of the globally acclaimed K-pop group NCT and its subunits NCT Dream and NCT 127, officially announced his departure from NCT today, bringing an end to a remarkable ten-year chapter. The announcement, confirmed by his agency SM Entertainment, signals a significant shift not only within NCT but also reflects a growing trend of established K-pop idols pursuing individual artistic endeavors after lengthy group commitments.

The news, delivered via a heartfelt message posted across NCT's official social media platforms, reverberated throughout the dedicated NCTzen fanbase (the group's fandom) and the wider K-pop community. Mark's statement expressed profound gratitude for his time with the group, acknowledging the immense personal and artistic growth he experienced over the past decade. "It is with a heavy heart that I announce I will be departing from NCT," he wrote, adding, "I've spent the last 10 years with NCT, and it's been an invaluable chapter of my life. I've grown so much as a person and artist, and I'm eternally grateful for all the memories and experiences."

SM Entertainment echoed Mark's sentiments in a separate official statement, outlining his future plans. The company clarified that while stepping down from full NCT activities, Mark will continue to pursue his career as a soloist and maintain his position within the popular NCT Dream unit. "Mark will continue his activities as a soloist and with NCT Dream. He has been an indispensable member of NCT, and we thank him for his contributions," the statement read. This decision allows Mark to explore personal musical directions while remaining connected to a core segment of his fanbase through NCT Dream.

While the precise reasons behind Mark's departure remain undisclosed, industry analysts suggest it's part of a burgeoning pattern within the intensely competitive K-pop scene. The grueling schedules, constant pressure to innovate, and evolving artistic visions often lead established members to seek avenues for independent expression. The K-pop industry, while celebrated for its dynamism, has historically been criticized for its stringent contracts and limited artist autonomy. Recent years have witnessed a shift, with agencies increasingly recognizing the benefits of allowing solo projects and diversified careers for their talent.

Mark debuted as a member of NCT Dream in 2016, quickly becoming a fan favorite with his charisma, rapping skills, and stage presence. He later expanded his role by joining NCT 127 in 2018, further solidifying his position as a versatile and integral member of the NCT universe. NCT's unique rotational system - with an ever-expanding roster of members across various subunits - has always presented inherent challenges in managing individual artist aspirations.

The news has elicited a wave of both sadness and support from fans worldwide. Social media platforms are flooded with messages expressing gratitude for Mark's contributions to NCT, heartfelt farewells, and well wishes for his future endeavors. The hashtag #ThankYouMark is currently trending globally, demonstrating the profound impact he has had on fans. Many highlight his journey from a young trainee to a seasoned performer, praising his dedication and talent.

The evolving landscape of K-pop, where artists increasingly leverage their established platform to explore personal creativity, is likely to see more such announcements in the future. Mark's decision to focus on solo work and NCT Dream signifies a mature understanding between the artist and the agency, prioritizing both individual growth and continued group success. Fans eagerly await details on his solo debut and future projects, anticipating a new era for Mark Lee as he embarks on this exciting next chapter. The impact of his departure on NCT's future configurations and musical direction will undoubtedly be a closely watched topic within the K-pop industry.