{"id":2356787,"date":"2026-04-03T10:37:23","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T10:37:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2356787"},"modified":"2026-04-03T10:37:23","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T10:37:23","slug":"mark-lee-announces-departure-from-sm-entertainment-nct-127-nct-dream-with-handwritten-letter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/mark-lee-announces-departure-from-sm-entertainment-nct-127-nct-dream-with-handwritten-letter\/","title":{"rendered":"Mark Lee announces departure from SM Entertainment, NCT 127 & NCT DREAM with handwritten letter"},"content":{"rendered":"

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In a major shakeup for the global K-pop phenomenon NCT, Canadian-born artist Mark Lee<\/a> has officially announced his departure from SM Entertainment<\/a> and all NCT activities, including the group\u2019s key subunits NCT 127<\/a><\/em> and NCT DREAM<\/a><\/em>. The news, confirmed by the entertainment giant, marks a significant turning point in one of K-pop\u2019s most prolific careers.<\/p>\n

SM Entertainment released an official statement on April 3, 2026, confirming \u201cAfter a long period of in-depth discussions with Mark regarding the direction of his future activities and following adequate conversations between both parties, we came to a mutual agreement to conclude his exclusive contract as of April 8. Accordingly, Mark will end all NCT activities, including NCT 127 and NCT DREAM.<\/p>\n

Since debuting in 2016 as part of NCT, Mark has demonstrated outstanding abilities not only in group promotions but also as a solo artist, showing remarkable activities over the past 10 years. We would like to convey our gratitude for the valuable time we have shared together, and we sincerely cheer on Mark as he leaves the team and begins a new leap forward.\u201d<\/p>\n

SM also reaffirmed its support for remaining NCT activities and thanked fans for their continued loyalty.<\/p>\n

Mark\u2019s career with NCT<\/h3>\n

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Born on August 2, 1999, in Toronto, Canada, Mark debuted with NCT in 2016 and rapidly became one of the group\u2019s most central and recognizable members. His career with SM Entertainment spanned multiple NCT units, including NCT U<\/em>, NCT 127<\/em>, and NCT DREAM<\/em>, as well as the high-profile supergroup SuperM<\/em>.<\/p>\n

In April 2025, he made his solo debut with the album The Firstfruit<\/em>, showcasing his artistic range beyond group work.<\/p>\n

His departure closes a significant chapter in the group\u2019s history, as he was a foundational presence throughout NCT\u2019s formation and evolution.<\/p>\n

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Mark\u2019s handwritten letter to fans<\/h3>\n

Mark shared a heartfelt message with fans via his private Instagram account, reflecting on his decade with NCT and SM Entertainment. In his letter, he acknowledged that while the news might be surprising, he has long carried personal creative aspirations, including a desire to explore music and artistry on his own terms.<\/p>\n

He wrote about gaining self-knowledge through his journey and expressed gratitude for the experiences that shaped him. He also cited encouragement from fellow NCT members as he prepares for the next phase of his career.<\/p>\n

Future of NCT 127 and NCT DREAM <\/h3>\n

SM Entertainment provided details on how the iconic NCT subunits will continue following Mark\u2019s exit. NCT 127 will carry on with seven members: Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo<\/a>, and Haechan.<\/p>\n

NCT DREAM will continue activities with six members: Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung.<\/p>\n

The agency emphasized that both units will remain active and that support for their ongoing promotions and projects will continue unabated.<\/p>\n

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