K-pop agency SM Entertainment has announced that Mark Lee will be leaving the boy group NCT, along with its sub-units NCT 127 and NCT Dream.
The 26-year-old’s departure from the group was announced in a statement released on fan platform Weverse on Friday afternoon KST. “After a long period of careful and thoughtful discussion with Mark regarding his future activities, we have mutually agreed to conclude his exclusive contract effective April 8,” the statement read. “Mark will conclude all activities as a member of NCT, including NCT 127 and NCT Dream.”
Lee has been a member of the 24-member boy group NCT since its inception in 2016. The group introduced a first-of-its-kind system that divided it into several smaller groups, known as subunits, which included rotating and fixed member configurations. Earlier this week, Lee and the NCT Dream members concluded their world tour with six shows in Seoul.
“Since his debut with NCT in 2016, Mark has shown exceptional talent and versatility through group and solo activities and has given great performances over the years,” SM Entertainment said in a Weverse statement. “We are truly grateful for the time he spent with us, and support him wholeheartedly as he begins a new chapter in his journey,” he added.
The Korean company confirmed in its statement that NCT 127 will continue as a seven-member group (Jonny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo and Haechan) and NCT Dream will continue as a six-member group (Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle and Jisung).
Lee took to Instagram to share a message to fans in Korean and English. “Of all the things my heart wants to say right now, I really want to say thank you. Thank you for loving me, supporting me, and shaping me into who I am today,” he said in the post.
“I will never forget the pieces of love and truth that every Czennie (NCT fan base) gave me. I’m not playing here, and I’m definitely not playing with your guys’ hearts,” he later said in the post, which several NCT members commented on under a show of support for Lee. “You guys make me want to become a better person, and I hope my decisions in life will have a positive impact on anyone watching.”
Lee released his first solo album, the firstalmost a year ago in April 2025. “I think this album helped me find myself,” the Canadian-born rapper said. THR Before this version.
