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\n\tK-pop agency SM Entertainment has announced that Mark Lee is departing the label and boy group NCT<\/a>, along with its subunits NCT 127<\/a> and NCT Dream<\/a>. <\/p>\n \n\tThe 26-year-old\u2019s exit from the group was announced in a statement released on the fan platform Weverse Friday afternoon Korean local time. \u201cAfter 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,\u201d the statement reads. \u201cMark will conclude all activities as a member of NCT, including NCT 127 and NCT Dream.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tLee has been a member of the now-24-member boy group NCT since its inception in 2016. The group introduced a first-of-its-kind system that broke it down into several smaller groups, known as subunits, which included both rotating and fixed member configurations. Earlier this week, Lee and the members of NCT Dream concluded their world tour with six shows in Seoul. <\/p>\n \n\t\u201cSince 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,\u201d SM Entertainment said in the Weverse statement. \u201cWe are truly grateful for the time he spent with us, and we wholeheartedly support him as he begins a new chapter in his journey.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tThe Korean label confirmed in their statement that NCT 127 will continue as a seven-member group (Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo and Haechan) and NCT Dream will continue as a six-member group (Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle and Jisung). <\/p>\n \n\tLee took to Instagram<\/a> to share a message to fans in both Korean and English. \u201cOut 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 \u201d he said in the post. <\/p>\n \n\t\u201cI will never forget the pieces of love and truth each and every Czennie (NCT\u2019s fanbase) gave me. I\u2019m not playing here, and I am for sure not playing with your guys\u2019 hearts,\u201d he later said in the post, which several members of NCT commented under showing Lee support. \u201cYou 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.\u201d <\/p>\n \n\tLee r<\/a>eleased his first solo album<\/a>, The Firstfirst<\/em>, nearly one year ago in April 2025. \u201cI think this album helped me find myself,\u201d the Canadian-born rapper told THR<\/em> ahead of that release. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n