Mark Lee will officially part ways with SM Entertainment and NCT next week. On April 3, the company confirmed that his exclusive contract will end on April 8, 2026, with the artist simultaneously exiting NCT and its subunits NCT 127 and NCT Dream.
The announcement follows what SM described as “long and in-depth discussions” regarding his future activities, resulting in a mutual decision. In a formal statement, the company addressed fans directly: “After a long period of careful and thoughtful discussion with MARK regarding his future activities, we have mutually agreed to conclude his exclusive contract as of April 8. MARK will conclude all activities as a member of NCT, including NCT 127 and NCT DREAM.”
SM continued by acknowledging his decade-long contribution to the label and the group’s global rise. “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. 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.”
Mark took Instagram to share a message to fans. “I will never forget the pieces of love and truth each and every Czennie gave me… I’m not playing here, and I am for sure not playing with your guys’ hearts…”
Mark’s departure marks a major structural shift for NCT. Following the announcement, NCT 127 will continue as a seven-member lineup consisting of Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, and Haechan. Meanwhile, NCT Dream will move forward as a six-member group with Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung. Both units have been central to the brand’s commercial success, with multiple chart-topping releases across South Korea, the United States, and Japan.
His exit closes a significant chapter that began in 2012, when he joined SM Entertainment as a trainee after auditioning in Vancouver. Four years later, he debuted as one of the founding members of NCT, becoming one of the project’s most visible figures through dual participation in NCT 127 and NCT Dream.
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