SM Entertainment announced on April 3 that NCT member Mark's exclusive contract will end next Wednesday. In a handwritten letter, Mark expressed gratitude to members and fans while embarking on a new path. The announcement, coming just after recent concerts, has shocked fans.
SM Entertainment announced on April 3 that NCT's Mark will depart the group, with his exclusive contract ending next Wednesday. He will cease activities with NCT 127 and NCT Dream. NCT 127 will continue as a seven-member group—Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, and Haechan—while NCT Dream will promote with six: Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung.
In a handwritten letter on Instagram, Mark wrote, "I know this may feel sudden to everyone," explaining his decision to pursue a dream of traveling and performing with an acoustic guitar. "I had many conversations with the members about this decision, and every single one of them supported me," he said. "I feel so thankful it brings me to tears, and at the same time, I feel a sense of lifelong apology."
Mark debuted with NCT in 2016, featuring prominently in NCT 127, NCT Dream, NCT U, and SuperM as a main rapper and dancer. He released his solo album "The Firstfruit" in April last year. SM Entertainment praised him as "a remarkable artist over the last 10 years" and wished him well.
The timing adds to the shock: NCT held six solo concerts at Seoul's KSPO Dome in Olympic Park on March 20-22 and 27-29. Fans expressed disbelief online, with some saying, "The concerts just ended—this feels too sudden," while others respect his choice.
