Usually, when idols voluntarily leave their respective groups, there’s the company’s statement, the artist’s statement, and then end of discussion. Rarely do we get an insight into how this shift affects the rest of the group emotionally, as the K-pop industry standard tends to prioritize silence over freedom of expression. With Mark Lee exiting NCT, however, this particular circumstance seems to be the exception.

On April 3, SM Entertainment confirmed that as of April 8, Mark’s contract will be terminated after a decade-long run as a member of NCT, stating that it was a mutual agreement after a long period of careful and thoughtful discussion regarding his future activities. Concurrently, the Korean-Canadian singer posted his own statement on Instagram, addressing the fans and reflecting on his journey over the last 10 years.

“Out of all the things my heart wants to say right now, I truly wish to say thank you,” Mark writes in a handwritten letter. “Thank you for loving, supporting, and shaping me to become who I am today…I hope our next chapter together could be where we are all healthily smiling about the past, welcoming the present, and being excited for what’s to come.”

Within two hours, Mark’s departure generated over two million posts on X alone, eventually rising to five million by the afternoon. And in less than 24 hours, Mark’s handwritten letter has garnered 3.5 million likes, over 500k comments, and over one million shares. Amongst NCTzen (NCT’s fanbase) and neighboring K-pop stans alike, Mark’s name and hardworking attitude have echoed throughout K-pop history, making him one of the most liked and respected idols among his peers, fans, and non-fans alike. And it’s not hard to see why.

Since NCT’s debut in 2016, Mark Lee has been the pillar of all things ‘neo culture technology.’ From stepping out on the scene as a member of NCT U to breaking the typical K-pop mold with NCT 127 and growing up before audiences as the leader of NCT Dream, Mark has played a significant role in cementing the modern K-pop sound. While his departure is certainly shocking and the last thing most would’ve expected, it makes sense why he would want to slow down, take a breath, and consider what else is out there beyond SM Entertainment. 

In the same statement by SM, the company confirmed that both NCT 127 and NCT Dream would continue promoting as a seven-member group (Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, and Haechan) and a six-member group (Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung), respectively. For Dream, this is technically nothing new, as they had already experienced a stint without Mark following his initial graduation from the unit in 2018. However, this time, the absence is permanent, and while most groups are contractually bound not to mention or even utter a former member’s name, NCT is once again breaking the mold.

On both Instagram and the Lysn fan-club messaging app known as “Bubble,” the remaining NCT members are quick to share heartfelt messages to the fans and in support of Mark. On Instagram, 127 member Doyoung posted a lengthy message on his story: “He was a friend I loved more than anyone, and somehow, I still love without change now, so we spent a long time sharing many conversations…I decided to understand and respect all the feelings of Mark, whom I love, and support him to the end.” He goes on to reassure fans that NCT 127 will continue strongly and remain a group fans can be proud of before ending with, “I know the sense of sadness cannot simply be erased away forcefully, but I will work hard to bring you greater happiness in the future.”

Similarly, NCT Dream’s youngest member, Jisung, took to Bubble to express his thoughts, admitting Mark’s decision was hard to accept at first. “At first, I was upset, but knowing [Mark], knowing all the hard work he put in, even though I couldn’t express it much, I want to cheer on the path of the older brother I truly loved, from afar…I’m not writing this expecting you to feel exactly the same way I do. I just wrote this, thinking about what might help you feel even a little better.”

There are so many other messages like this from various members across NCT, but to see a group be so transparent in their feelings – both in supporting Mark and in acknowledging the pain fans are feeling – is a breath of fresh air in an industry that sometimes gets too wrapped up in silencing and filtering idols’ thoughts for the sake of maintaining an image. Even fans have noted what an exceptional circumstance this is, and a testament to how Mark and NCT have reshaped SM Entertainment over the years. 

Moving forward, other K-pop companies can learn from Mark’s departure – just because a member exits a group, it doesn’t mean they shall no longer be named. Allowing idols to publicly share their thoughts and goodbyes not only preserves the artists’ legacy but also becomes a crucial part of both the group’s and fans’ healing process once they’re gone.