Mark has opened up about his feelings to fans through Bubble after announcing his sudden departure from NCT.
On April 6, Mark, who officially left NCT, communicated with fans through the platform Bubble. He shared, “I really wanted to speak to fans myself first, but this wasn’t something I could decide based solely on my own emotions.”
He continued, “You were very surprised, right? The weekend must have been overwhelming and difficult, and now it’s already Monday again.” He added, “We have to stay strong. I’ll come back soon. I’m sorry and thank you. Let’s keep fighting together,” offering comfort to fans.
Previously, on April 3, news of Mark’s departure was announced. SM Entertainment stated, “After long and in-depth discussions with Mark, we have mutually agreed to conclude his exclusive contract as of April 8. We are grateful for the time we spent together and will support his new journey.”
Mark also posted a handwritten letter on his social media. He reflected, “Over the past 10 years, I’ve had so many stages and memories. I naturally began to think about what the greatest dream I could pursue and the greatest purpose I could have as a person named Mark would be.”
He added, “I became curious about what the completed version of that dream would look like, and I wanted to fully immerse myself and dive into it,” expressing his determination to take on a new challenge.
Mark also conveyed both gratitude and apology to his fellow members. “I had many conversations with the members about this decision, and every single one of them supported me. I’m so thankful it brings me to tears, and I will always feel sorry,” he said. “I’m deeply grateful to the members who sailed on this journey with me and gave their all. I love them.”
Addressing fans, Mark shared, “To NCTzens who made me happy every single day for the past 10 years, I sincerely thank you. Because of your love and the memories we shared, I am who I am today.” At the same time, he acknowledged, “I know this change may come as a big shock and cause pain, which weighs heavily on my heart. I believed the best thing I could do right now was to express my sincerity.”
After a decade of dedicated activity, Mark has opened a new chapter following deep reflection. He emphasized, “I will always be someone who never forgets my beginnings,” adding, “I will carry gratitude toward SM, the NCT members, and NCTzens for the rest of my life. I will work hard to show a better version of myself moving forward.”
Mark, who debuted in 2016, has been a central member across various NCT units, including NCT U, NCT 127, NCT Dream, and SuperM. Following his departure, NCT 127 will continue as a seven-member group, while NCT Dream will reorganize as a six-member group.
Meanwhile, following Mark, TEN of NCT and WayV will also be leaving SM Entertainment. On April 6, SM announced, “After in-depth discussions regarding TEN’s future direction, we have decided to conclude his exclusive contract as of April 8.”
The agency added, “We sincerely thank Ten for showcasing outstanding talent both in group activities and as a solo artist since his debut, and we will support his new beginning.”
Unlike Mark, TEN’s contract termination does not indicate his departure from the group. SM clarified, “We will continue to coordinate so that Ten can participate in WayV and NCT group activities in the future,” leaving open the possibility of his continued involvement. The agency also pledged full support for the remaining members’ activities.
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