NCT Mark suddenly leaves the team and his agency. Fans are pouring out confusion and shock at his abrupt, unannounced declaration of a "new chapter" in his life.
On the 3rd, news broke of NCT Mark's withdrawal and the expiration of his exclusive contract. The agency SM Entertainment issued an official statement saying, "We engaged in long and deep discussions with Mark about his future activities, and after sufficient mutual dialogue, we have agreed to conclude the exclusive contract as of April 8. Accordingly, Mark will end all NCT activities, including NCT 127 and NCT DREAM."
Fans fell into confusion at the sudden news of Mark's departure. Because Mark, who had served as leader for NCT DREAM, had a large presence for fans, his second withdrawal brought considerable loss. Moreover, unlike NCT DREAM, which held a concert just a week earlier, many NCT 127 fans are left feeling empty because they must send Mark off without even having a final chance to say goodbye. In the case of NCT 127, with members entering military hiatuses and everyone waiting for a full lineup, they have now lost members in succession: Taeil, who was expelled over a sexual crime issue, and now Mark.
Especially, Mark was born in Canada and is a Korean Canadian with Canadian nationality. Fans who had been reassured that there would be no military hiatus expressed great shock at the unexpected farewell. In response, Mark wrote a long handwritten letter to greet fans. He explained, "I know everything will feel very sudden. Actually, from my trainee days, and perhaps even before that, I always carried a dream in my heart. I liked writing in English so much that I wanted to be a writer, and I wanted to travel around busking on the street with just an acoustic guitar. I was too young to clearly and perfectly picture that dream in my head, but with a love for music and the stage I auditioned from Canada 14 years ago and began my musical path at SM Entertainment with NCT."
He continued, "Because I began my first chapter at SM Entertainment and with NCT, I was able to learn more about myself and find my best self. I am truly grateful. After spending 10 years seeing and experiencing the world at its best and going through the greatest journey, I naturally began to wonder what the greatest dream I could pursue would be and what the greatest tasks and purposes I could have as Mark would be. As I reach the time to complete a 10-year contract, I awakened all my senses, pondered for a long time, and ultimately became curious about what the exact completed form of that dream would be. I wanted to dive in and devote myself properly. I wanted to find what my music or its fruit would be and how to present it to the world and to achieve it." he said, explaining his reason for deciding to withdraw.
He added, "Even if I make a big decision, I truly recognize that my taking on a big challenge alone does not resolve everyone's worries, concerns, and hardships. By announcing a big decision for a new chapter in my life, I know this handwritten letter cannot ease the great shock and pain this change may cause to the citizens who have loved me as NCT's Mark, the fans, and the public, and that makes my heart very heavy." He added, "I want to express my greatest thanks to all the citizens and everyone who has known and supported me so far. I will carry a grateful heart toward SM Entertainment, the NCT members, and citizens for the rest of my life. I will do my very best to be the best version of Mark when I greet you in a new way in the future."
Following Mark, other NCT members also stepped forward to console fans who must be in shock. Jisung said, "Each person has their own precious life, and choosing and walking that path is ultimately up to the individual. It is the same for me, and anyone with a dream will have moments when they must quietly walk toward the direction they believe in. I was upset at first, but after getting to know that person and learning about the efforts he made, though I didn't express it much, I want to support the path of the hyung I really liked from afar." he said, sending encouragement to Mark.
He continued, "I am letting go of a moment I loved most in my life. I take pride in having spent 10 years that were more special and precious than anyone else's. But because this is not the end but a process, there will be better results later. It will be hard right now, but when things get better, please look back on the past little by little and look forward to the things the members and I have yet to finish. There will be many. Please wait a little. I'm sorry for causing such great pain."
Jeno said, "I thought about many things and had many conversations, but I am also very sorry and regretful that we could not resolve this situation well. Of course, it's natural to be sad now, but this is also our story, and I hope you will watch over another form of Dream that will move forward. Let's be sad for a short time now and then make happy memories again." he urged.
Also, Haechan said, "I am so, so sorry to everyone who loved 127 and Dream. I sincerely thank everyone who loved us. Of course, 127 and Dream are not over, but I wanted to once again give thanks for the love we've received and move on. And I truly hope you won't be too saddened. I think the memories that I, NCT, and the citizens shared will remain and be cherished for a long time. Above all, there will be so many activities to be filled in the future, so I hope you will look on them with good feelings," he said, offering words of consolation.
Jaemin said, "We don't know what will happen in the future and this is not the end, so I hope you spend good days well. I hope we also support Mark!" and Renjun emphasized, "You must be very shocked, right? I'm sorry. As Dream, we will work hard to give you happiness and strength!"
In particular, Doyoung asked that people refrain from speculating about the reason for Mark's withdrawal. He said, "I have decided to understand all of beloved Mark's feelings and to support him endlessly. I cannot convey Mark's feelings on his behalf, but I would be truly grateful if you could listen to Mark's long-standing sincerity and concerns without prejudice." He added, "Lastly, there is one thing I want to say firmly. If suspicion and unfounded speculation arise about Mark and the members, it will be engulfed in unbearable sadness and grievance. Please, really please, let us preserve the beauty we have kept with fans for more than 10 years."
[photo] OSEN DB, SNS
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