NCT's Mark Lee to Exit K-Pop Group After 10 Years: 'It's a Quest That I Myself Am Scared About'
NCT's Mark Lee to Exit K-Pop Group After 10 Years: 'It's a Quest That I Myself Am Scared About'
Ilana KaplanFri, April 3, 2026 at 4:48 PM UTC
0
Mark Lee in January 2026 in MilanCredit: Federico Lomartire/WWD via Getty -
Mark Lee is leaving NCT after 10 years
The news was announced by Lee in an Instagram post on Thursday, April 2 and by SM Entertainment in a Friday, April 3 Weverse post
"We have mutually agreed to conclude his exclusive contract as of April 8," the statement from SM Entertainment read
Mark Lee is moving on from NCT.
On Thursday, April 2, the Canadian rapper and singer shared a handwritten note on Instagram in Korean and in English about his departure from the K-pop group.
“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,” his English note began.
It continued: “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. 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. 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….” read the note.
Lee noted that he "will never forget the pieces of love and truth" fans gave him.
“I'm not playing here, and I am for sure not playing with your guys' hearts... You guys make me want to be a better person, and I hope my decisions in life can only become a positive impact to anyone watching. I'm truly and always thinking about you guys and I'll really be working very, very hard to make it all make sense," the note concluded.
On Friday, April 3, SM Entertainment also confirmed the news in a statement on Weverse.
Advertisement
"We would like to sincerely thank all fans for your continued love and support for NCT," it began. "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 Lee in January 2026 in MilanCredit: Federico Lomartire/WWD via Getty
They noted that Lee "will conclude all activities as a member of NCT, 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. 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," the statement continued.According to SM Entertainment, "NCT 127 will continue as a seven-member group consisting of JOHNNY, TAEYONG, YUTA, DOYOUNG, JAEHYUN, JUNGWOO, and HAECHAN."
— sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Meanwhile, NCT DREAM will now be a six-member group featuring 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," the statement read.
Born in Toronto, Lee relocated to Seoul in 2012 to join SM Entertainment as a trainee.
In 2016, he debuted as an idol as a part of NCT U, and later as a member of NCT 127 and NCT Dream.
As of 2019, Lee was also a member of SuperM and released several solo albums under SM Entertainment.
His solo studio debut The Firstfruit was released in April 2025.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
