Mark of K-pop group NCT will leave the band and end his contract with SM Entertainment, both the artist and the agency confirmed on Friday.
The decision will take effect next Wednesday and follows what the company described as lengthy and thorough discussions with the singer.
Mark debuted in 2016 as part of NCT and performed across several sub-units, including NCT 127 and NCT Dream.
He also launched his solo career last April with the album The Firstfruit, expanding his work beyond group activities.
SM Entertainment praised Mark’s contributions, describing him as an exceptional artist who has shown strong abilities both within the group and as a solo performer.
Message to fans
Later on Friday, Mark shared a handwritten letter on Instagram, thanking fans and fellow members in his final message as part of NCT.
He acknowledged the news may come as a surprise, but said his time with the group had brought some of the most meaningful experiences of his life. He added that he now intends to pursue a long-held ambition to travel and perform music with an acoustic guitar while focusing on songwriting.
Mark thanked his bandmates for supporting his decision and said he felt both deeply grateful and sorry towards them.
Addressing fans, he wrote that their support had made the past decade the happiest period of his life and allowed him to grow as an artist. He concluded by expressing gratitude to SM Entertainment, the NCT members and fans, and said he hopes to return in the future as an improved version of himself.
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