Group NCT member Mark left the country to attend his final official schedule ahead of leaving the team.
Mark headed to Shanghai, China, on March 31 via Gimpo International Airport to attend overseas schedules. On that day, he departed to attend the FW26 Shanghai Fashion Week fashion show, effectively carrying out his final official duties as a member of NCT (NCT). In particular, on his way out, Mark smiled broadly in front of fans who had come to the site while striking cute poses and his signature poses, and he continued waving for quite a long time, sharing final farewells with fans.
After his departure, agency SM Entertainment said in an official statement on April 3, "The company has engaged in long and in-depth discussions with Mark about his future activities, and after sufficient conversation we have agreed to conclude the exclusive contract effective April 8."
It went on, "Mark will end all NCT activities, including with NCT 127 and NCT DREAM, and walk a new path," formalizing the news of his leaving the team.
The agency said, "Since debuting in NCT in 2016, Mark has demonstrated outstanding capabilities not only in group activities but also as a solo artist, delivering brilliant performances for about 10 years," and added, "We deeply thank him for the time we spent together and sincerely support Mark as he embarks on a new leap."
The agency also mentioned the future direction of team activities. SM said, "NCT 127 will continue activities as a seven-member unit: Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo and Haechan, and NCT DREAM will continue activities as a six-member unit: Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle and Jisung."
Finally, it added, "The company will continue to fully support the activities of NCT members and will do its best to repay the fans who continue to give their love by showing an even better side."
Mark was a core member representing NCT and served as leader of NCT DREAM, playing a central role in the team. Because he handled both rap and performance and led the team, he is regarded as a symbolic presence.
His recent appearances in performances are also being reexamined. Responses continued that he showed signs of poor condition at the finale performance of THE DREAM SHOW 4 : FUTURE THE DREAM in March, and a scene where he shed tears on stage became a topic of conversation, increasing fans' concerns.
After news of the end of his exclusive contract and his departure spread, feelings of regret and shock circulated among fans, while voices supporting his choice to conclude his long career also emerged.
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