Mark surprised his followers by announcing his departure from NCT and SM Entertainment, a news he shared through a handwritten letter in which he opened his heart about closing one of the most important chapters of his life. In his message, the singer recalled that he debuted with NCT U on April 9, 2016, and that by April 2026, a full ten years will have passed since that beginning. His letter serves not only as a farewell but also as a statement of principles about the kind of artist he wants to be from this point on. For his followers, the news opens a new stage filled with uncertainty, nostalgia, and expectation. As he expressed, for years he held personal dreams that went beyond the path he built within the K-pop industry. In the letter explaining his departure, Mark addressed the NCTzen directly and confessed that he felt 'truly happy' during this period. Now, although he wants to swim on his own, he affirmed that his colleagues support even that 'deep dive' he wants to take in this new stage. Although he did not officially detail his next project, Mark made it clear that he wants to discover what his music will be like, what fruits he can bear as a creator, and how he wants to share them with the world. He also acknowledged that he understands the impact of his decision and the pain it can cause to those who have loved him as 'Mark of NCT', as well as his closest followers and the general public. Even so, he emphasized that he will never forget his roots. In his letter, he insisted that his beginning will always be linked to SM, to NCT, and to his fans, no matter what music he makes from now on. Mark Lee's departure marks a moment of high impact in the K-pop universe, especially for what it represents within NCT. He also shared that he had the desire to become a writer, as he has always enjoyed writing in English. The singer recalled that he auditioned in Canada 14 years ago and that it was precisely in SM and in NCT where he was able to get to know himself better, find his best version, and grow as an artist.
