K-Pop star Mark Lee is officially leaving SM Entertainment and his group NCT, the agency announced Friday, April 3, following what it described as a “mutual agreement” to end his contract.
In a statement, SM Entertainment said Lee’s exclusive contract will conclude on April 8 after “a long period of careful and thoughtful discussion” regarding his future activities.
Lee will also end his participation in NCT and its sub-units, including NCT 127 and NCT DREAM.
“Since his debut with NCT in 2016, Mark has demonstrated exceptional talent and versatility through both group and solo activities and has delivered remarkable performances over the years,” the company said.
“We are truly grateful for the time he spent with us, and we wholeheartedly support him as he begins a new chapter in his journey,” it added.
Following his departure, NCT 127 will continue as a seven-member group composed of Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, and Haechan. Meanwhile, NCT DREAM, where Lee served as leader, will move forward as a six-member group consisting of Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung.
SM Entertainment added that it will continue to support the remaining NCT members and honor the ongoing support from fans.
Lee, widely recognized for his distinctive tone and dynamic rap delivery, has been a central figure in NCT since its debut. His contributions spanned multiple units and releases, helping shape the group’s sound and global presence.
The announcement was also confirmed through NCT’s official Weverse account.
In a separate message posted on Instagram, Lee penned a heartfelt letter for his fans directly, expressing gratitude and reflecting on his decision.
“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 wrote.
Lee described his departure not as an end but as a new beginning, acknowledging uncertainty while expressing hope for the future.
“I truly believe that our hearts have better sight than our eyes, and what my heart sees right now isn’t a closing door but rather an opening new one,” he said.
“I hope our next chapter together could be where we are all healthily smiling about the past, welcoming the present, and being excited for what's to come. It’s a quest that I myself am scared about, but I know that it’s not for the worst.”
He also asked fans to trust his decision, emphasizing that it was made with careful thought.
“If I had ever done something right to have gained your trust over the last decade, I hope you believe me when I say that I’m not doing this just for fun,” Lee added.
He concluded his message by thanking fans, Czennies, for their unwavering support.
“I will never forget the pieces of love and truth each and every Czennie gave me. You guys make me want to be a better person. I’m truly and always thinking about you guys, and I’ll really be working very, very hard to make it all make sense. Love you all so much. See you,” he said.
