Mark, who is leaving the group NCT, spoke to fans for the first time since the announcement and his handwritten letter.
Mark sent a message on the private messaging platform Bubble on the 6th saying, "I really wanted to be the first to speak directly to the fans, but it wasn't something I could just act on with my own feelings.. Were you very surprised?"
He added, "The weekend must have been so hectic and hard, and already it's Monday again. We have to stay strong," and "I'll be back soon. I'm sorry and thankful. Let's fight together this Monday."
Earlier, on the 3rd it was announced that Mark's exclusive contract with SM Entertainment will end on the 8th, and accordingly he will withdraw from all NCT groups.
The agency said, "We had long and deep discussions with Mark about future directions for his activities, and after sufficient mutual dialogue, we agreed to conclude the exclusive contract as of April 8. Accordingly, Mark will end all NCT activities, including NCT 127 and NCT DREAM."
With Mark's withdrawal, NCT 127 will continue activities as seven members — Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo and Haechan — and NCT DREAM will continue as six members — Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle and Jisung.
After the notice of Mark's withdrawal, he posted a handwritten letter himself and expressed gratitude, saying, "I talked a lot with each member one by one, and just thinking about it brings me to tears — in the end, every single member without exception said they would support me. I'm sorry for life and above all I'm thankful. I want to once again tell the hyungs who see me as a cute younger brother and the younger members who see me as a leader how very, very thankful I am."
Mark also said, "To the Seeznies I'm most grateful to, I thought the best thing I could do in this situation was to convey my true, genuine feelings. And looking at my heart, at the end of that sincerity more than anything else I wanted to make sure to express my thanks."
He added, "I want to give the biggest thanks to all the Seeznies and to everyone who has known me and supported me so far," and said, "When I greet you in a new form in the future, I will do my very best to be a better Mark."
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]