Mark Leaves NCT & SM Entertainment After 10 Years

The K-pop world was rocked on April 3, 2026, when SM Entertainment officially confirmed what many fans had feared: Mark is departing from NCT and SM Entertainment after a decade-long journey that shaped him from a Canadian teenager into one of the most beloved figures in the Hallyu wave. With his exclusive contract set to conclude on April 8, 2026, the announcement marks the end of an era — and the beginning of what promises to be an exciting new chapter for the artist.

SM Entertainment Makes It Official: Mark to Depart NCT

On April 3, 2026, SM Entertainment issued a formal statement confirming that Mark would be ending his exclusive contract with the agency effective April 8, 2026. According to the label, the decision was reached after a "long period of in-depth discussions" between both parties about his future activities, making it a mutual agreement rather than a sudden break.

The announcement sent shockwaves through the global K-pop community, with fans flooding social media platforms with tributes, tearful reactions, and well-wishes for the idol. As Soompi reported, the news was one of the most significant departures from the SM Entertainment roster in recent memory, given Mark's central role across multiple NCT units throughout his career.

Mark was simultaneously active in NCT 127, NCT DREAM, and NCT U — a feat that few artists in the NCT universe managed — making his departure particularly impactful across the entire group ecosystem.

A Decade of Dreams: Mark's Journey from Canada to Global Stardom

Mark's story is one of extraordinary dedication. Born in Canada, he auditioned for SM Entertainment approximately 14 years ago, setting in motion a path that would take him from a hopeful trainee to a globally recognized performer. He officially debuted on April 9, 2016, as part of NCT U — meaning his departure comes almost exactly 10 years to the day of his first appearance on the world stage.

As reported by News.az, his tenure with SM spans the full arc of the modern K-pop era, covering the massive international expansion of Korean pop culture and the rise of streaming as the dominant format for music consumption. Mark grew up in front of fans worldwide, maturing from a teenage rapper with boundless energy into a multifaceted artist capable of producing, writing, and performing across genres.

Throughout his career, Mark contributed to critically acclaimed albums and chart-topping singles with NCT 127 and NCT DREAM, participated in high-profile collaborations, and built a reputation as one of the hardest-working members in a notoriously demanding entertainment industry.

Mark's Heartfelt Letter to Fans: Busking, Guitars, and New Beginnings

What made the departure announcement especially moving was Mark's personal response to fans. Taking to Instagram, he posted a heartfelt letter that offered rare insight into his innermost feelings and aspirations. The message resonated deeply with fans who had followed him since his debut days.

In the letter, Mark referenced a dream of busking with an acoustic guitar and expressed a desire to write and create in English — a telling hint at the solo creative direction he may pursue outside of the structured world of a major K-pop agency. The candid tone of the message stood in contrast to the polished, carefully managed communications typical of idol culture, giving fans a glimpse of who Mark is beyond the stage.

For fans who have watched him rap in both Korean and English throughout his career, the idea of Mark pursuing solo English-language music feels like a natural evolution. His letter was widely shared and celebrated as a mature, authentic farewell that honored the relationship he had built with his fanbase over a decade.

"He didn't just say goodbye — he shared a dream. That's the Mark we've always known." — a fan reaction summarizing the sentiment across social media following his Instagram post.

What Happens to NCT 127 and NCT DREAM?

One of the most pressing questions following the announcement concerns the future configuration of both groups Mark was active in. SM Entertainment clarified the lineup changes alongside the departure news.

NCT 127 will continue as a seven-member group, consisting of:

• Johnny
• Taeyong
• Yuta
• Doyoung
• Jaehyun
• Jungwoo
• Haechan

NCT DREAM will continue as a six-member group, made up of:

• Renjun
• Jeno
• Haechan
• Jaemin
• Chenle
• Jisung

Both groups have robust fanbases and established discographies, positioning them well to continue their careers independently. While Mark's absence will certainly be felt — particularly in NCT DREAM, where he was one of the founding pillars — the remaining members have demonstrated strong individual and collective capabilities over the years.

The K-pop industry has seen numerous group reconfigurations over the years, and many groups have successfully maintained their momentum following member departures. Fans of both NCT 127 and NCT DREAM have expressed support for the continuing members while simultaneously wishing Mark well in his next chapter.

What's Next for Mark? Solo Career Possibilities

While no official announcements have been made regarding Mark's next agency affiliation or project plans, the hints in his Instagram letter paint a picture of an artist eager to explore creative freedom. The reference to busking and acoustic guitar suggests a more intimate, singer-songwriter direction — a significant departure from the high-production K-pop world he has inhabited for the past decade.

Mark's bilingual fluency in English and Korean, combined with his established fanbase across North America, Asia, and beyond, gives him an unusually strong foundation for an international solo career. Whether he pursues music independently, signs with a new label, or experiments with multiple creative outlets, his profile and talent make him one of the most compelling post-SM stories to watch.

For fans who want to support his journey, keeping an eye on his personal social media channels will be essential, as those are likely to be the first place any solo announcements or creative projects are previewed. In the meantime, celebrating his catalog — from early NCT DREAM releases to NCT 127's stadium-filling anthems — remains a meaningful way to honor his decade of work.

Fans looking to revisit memories of Mark's performances might also enjoy NCT 127 albums or NCT DREAM albums available on Amazon, which capture the breadth of the group's decade-long discography.

The Broader Impact on SM Entertainment and the NCT Universe

Mark's departure is part of a broader pattern of member transitions that SM Entertainment and the NCT ecosystem have navigated in recent years. The NCT concept — originally designed as a rotating, expandable group — was always built to accommodate change, but the loss of a founding-era member like Mark carries symbolic weight beyond mere logistics.

For SM Entertainment, retaining the loyalty of both the departing artist's fanbase and the remaining groups' audiences will be a key challenge in the months ahead. The manner in which the departure was handled — with transparent communication, mutual respect emphasized in the statement, and Mark's personal letter allowed to circulate freely — suggests both sides are intent on maintaining goodwill.

The NCT Universe, which encompasses multiple units and a vast global fanbase known as NCTzens, has shown resilience through previous transitions. The community's response to Mark's departure, while emotional, has largely been characterized by gratitude and support — a testament to the culture Mark and his fellow members helped build.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mark Leaving NCT

When does Mark officially leave SM Entertainment?

Mark's exclusive contract with SM Entertainment officially concludes on April 8, 2026. SM Entertainment announced the departure on April 3, 2026.

Why is Mark leaving NCT and SM Entertainment?

According to SM Entertainment, the decision was reached through a mutual agreement following a "long period of in-depth discussions" about Mark's future activities. Mark's personal letter suggested a desire to pursue solo creative endeavors, including acoustic music and English-language writing.

Will NCT 127 and NCT DREAM continue without Mark?

Yes. NCT 127 will continue as a seven-member group, and NCT DREAM will continue as a six-member group. SM Entertainment confirmed both lineups alongside the departure announcement.

How long was Mark part of NCT?

Mark debuted with NCT U on April 9, 2016, making his tenure with NCT and SM Entertainment nearly exactly 10 years at the time of his departure.

Where can fans follow Mark after his departure?

Mark has been active on Instagram, where he posted his farewell letter to fans. His personal social media channels are expected to be the primary avenue for updates on any solo projects or future announcements.

Conclusion: The End of One Chapter, the Start of Another

Mark's departure from NCT and SM Entertainment after 10 years is one of the most significant moments in recent K-pop history. From a young Canadian dreamer who auditioned for one of the world's most powerful entertainment companies to a globally celebrated performer who helped define the sound and style of the NCT generation, his journey has been nothing short of remarkable.

As confirmed by Soompi, the April 8, 2026 conclusion of his contract marks a clean transition point — one that both he and SM Entertainment appear to have approached thoughtfully and respectfully. For fans, the grief of saying goodbye is tempered by genuine excitement about what Mark might create when given the full freedom to explore his artistic identity on his own terms.

Whether he ends up busking on a street corner with an acoustic guitar or releasing a chart-topping solo album, one thing is certain: the world will be watching, and the decade of artistry he poured into NCT has earned him every opportunity that comes next.