NCT's Mark Departs from All Units as Contract with SM Entertainment Ends

Mark, a member of the popular K-pop group NCT, is set to leave the team. Known for his active participation in various NCT units such as NCT Dream, NCT 127, and NCT U, Mark's departure is expected to leave a significant void. The manner of his departure has also sparked some controversy.

Mark will officially end his exclusive contract with SM Entertainment on the 8th. SM Entertainment announced this news on the 3rd. Having debuted in 2016, Mark's decision to part ways with the agency after nearly a decade is not entirely unexpected. However, his choice to leave all NCT units has left fans in shock.

Among fans, there is a sense of inevitability about this farewell. Just a week before the announcement, NCT Dream, which includes Mark, held the finale of their world tour over six days at the KSPO Dome in Seoul. During the performances, Mark was often seen with a solemn expression, and on the final day, most members were in tears. Some were so overwhelmed with emotion that they struggled to perform. This fueled anxiety among fans who attended the concerts.

It is not uncommon for artists to continue group activities even after their contracts end, as seen with SM Entertainment's other groups like Super Junior, Red Velvet, and EXO. However, Mark decided to leave the group entirely upon his contract's conclusion. Fellow member Ten's contract also ends on the same day, but unlike Mark, he plans to continue participating in group activities.

NCT Dream was initially designed as a group with members under the age of 20, with members graduating upon reaching adulthood. Mark, the eldest, graduated in 2018 but rejoined due to fans' affection for the group's dynamic. Now, despite once championing the importance of '7Dream,' Mark has chosen to leave voluntarily. This decision contrasts with his previous role as a leader and 'Dream Captain,' leaving fans feeling a sense of disconnection.

Fans have expressed disappointment over the way Mark's departure was handled. While he performed his last stage with NCT Dream, there was no farewell event for NCT 127. Although there may have been contractual reasons, the suddenness of the announcement was jarring for fans. Mark shared a heartfelt letter on his social media, but it lacked clarity on his reasons for leaving and future plans. The remaining NCT members' responses also left fans wanting more, as they offered support in comments rather than addressing fans' concerns directly.

Mark has been a driving force in NCT's growth over the past decade, with fans supporting him from behind the scenes. The lack of communication and closure in his departure process has left a more significant impact than the actual end of his contract and group activities.

Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter one@tenasia.co.kr