Mark Lee will officially leave NCT and conclude his contract with SM Entertainment on April 8, 2026, ending a decade-long career that helped define the group’s global success.
SM Entertainment confirmed the decision on April 3 via NCT 127’s Weverse, noting it followed “a long period of careful and thoughtful discussion” with the artist.
“We have mutually agreed to conclude his exclusive contract as of April 8, 2026,” the agency said.
Lee will step away from all NCT activities, including sub-units NCT 127 and NCT DREAM. He debuted in 2016 with NCT U and quickly became one of the group’s most prominent members.
NCT 127 will continue as a seven-member team—Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, and Haechan—while NCT DREAM will move forward with six members: Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung.
Following the announcement, Lee shared a heartfelt message on Instagram:
“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,” he wrote, describing the decision as uncertain but necessary.
In a handwritten letter, he revealed plans to pursue music outside the idol system, including acoustic performances, emphasizing sincerity in his choice.
“I’m not playing here, and I am for sure not playing with your guys’ hearts,” he said, acknowledging the impact his departure may have on fans.
Lee also noted that he spoke individually with fellow NCT members, who expressed support for his next chapter. His exit marks a turning point for the group while opening a new path for him to explore music on his own terms.