Mark Lee to leave NCT and SM Entertainment

Sad news for NCTZens: Mark Lee is leaving NCT and SM Entertainment. 

Mark's entertainment label, SM Entertainment, announced his departure on WeVerse on Friday, stating that they had reached a mutual agreement to end his exclusive contract, effective on April 8. 

“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,” the label said. 

In this regard, Mark will also conclude all his activities as a member of NCT, including its sub-units NCT 127 and NCT Dream. 

SM Entertainment expressed deep gratitude for his contributions and affirmed its full support for his future endeavors.

“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 label 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." 

Following his departure, NCT 127 will continue its promotions as a seven-member group composed of Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, and Haechan while NCT Dream will move forward as a six-member group with Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung.

“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,” SM Entertainment added. 

Mark debuted with NCT and its sub-units NCT 127 and NCT Dream in 2016.

NCT Dream recently made a comeback with the EP “Beat it Up” in 2025. 

Aside from being a member of the K-pop group, Mark is also a solo artist, making his debut in 2025 with the album “The Firstfruit.” 

Mark was in the Philippines with his fellow members in August 2024 for “The Dream Show 3” at the Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City. 

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA News