Mark Lee in a promotional photo for his album 'The Firstfruit.' Photo from NCT's X account
(UPDATE) K-pop star Mark Lee is departing the popular boy band NCT and its label, SM Entertainment, the agency announced Friday.
In a notice posted on the fan community platform Weverse, SM said Mark's exclusive contract will end on April 8 following a "long period of careful and thoughtful discussion" with the 26-year-old artist.
"Mark will conclude all activities as a member of NCT, including NCT 127 and NCT Dream," it said, referring to the group and its sub-units in which the artist performs.
SM said it was "truly grateful for the time [Mark] spent with us," praising the artist for his "exceptional talent and versatility" demonstrated through both group and solo activities.
"We wholeheartedly support him as he begins a new chapter in his journey," the company added.
SM said the Seoul-based NCT 127 will continue as a seven-member group, while the youth concept-focused NCT Dream will move forward with six members.
"SM Entertainment will continue to fully support the activities of the NCT members, and we will do our best to honor the continued love and support from fans," it said.
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'NEXT CHAPTER'
On Instagram, Mark shared handwritten letters in both Korean and English, expressing his gratitude to fans.
"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," he wrote in the English letter.
Photo from Mark's Instagram account
"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," he said.
He told fans he was "truly and always thinking about you guys."
"And I'll really be working very very hard to make it all make sense," he said.
Mark made his debut in 2016 as a member of NCT, joining the first wave of members introduced with the single "The 7th Sense."
NCT's concept involves its more than 20 members performing in various sub-units. In Mark's case, he was part of NCT 127 and NCT Dream, quickly becoming one of the most popular and recognizable members of the group.
In 2019, he also debuted in SuperM, a supergroup made up of members from various SM Entertainment boy bands.
He later launched a solo career, releasing his first album, "The Firstfruit," in 2025.