MARK has ended his exclusive contract with SM Entertainment and will wrap up all activities with NCT as he hits his 10th debut anniversary. He shared a long, handwritten letter on social media to say his final goodbye to fans.
In the letter posted on the 3rd, he wrote, “I debuted as NCT on April 9, 2016, and now it’s April 2026―somehow, a full 10 years have passed. So much happened over those 10 years. I stood on so many stages, and most of all, I made so many memories,” expressing his gratitude to fans.
MARK explained that he’s leaving SM Entertainment and NCT to “chase a dream.”
“Since my trainee days―maybe even before that―I’ve always carried a dream in my heart,” he shared. “I imagined walking around with just an acoustic guitar, busking on the street. I loved writing in English so much that I even wanted to become a writer. After spending 10 years experiencing the very best of the world and the best journey, I asked myself what the greatest dream I could possibly have is, and what the best life and purpose mean to me. I became curious about what that dream would look like when it’s fully complete. I wanted to dive in and give it my all.”
According to MARK, the NCT members are fully behind his new path. “Just thinking about it makes me tear up―every single member told me they support me,” he said. “I’ll feel sorry forever, and above all, I’m grateful.” He added, “Thank you and I love you to every member who listened to my worries up close, understood my heart, thought of me, offered their opinions, and had amazing conversations with me. We were on the same ship for the past 10 years and completed the best voyage together… Now they’re cheering on my deep dive.”
He also thanked SM Entertainment, calling them “the people who raised MARK.” To fans, he said, “I know this change can be a big shock and even hurt, and that one handwritten letter can’t make it easier. I’m sorry if I seem lacking, and my heart feels heavy.” He promised, “When I come back to greet you in a new form, I’ll do my absolute best so I can return in the best way possible.”
Debuting with NCT in 2016, MARK has been a core member across multiple units, including NCT 127 and NCT DREAM. With his departure, NCT 127 will continue with JOHNNY, TAEYONG, YUTA, DOYOUNG, JAEHYUN, JUNGWOO, and HAECHAN as seven members, while NCT DREAM will move forward with RENJUN, JENO, HAECHAN, JAEMIN, CHENLE, and JISUNG as six.
Photo: Baik Seung-Chul
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)