Mark, a key member of SM Entertainment's global idol group NCT, will end his exclusive contract with SM Entertainment as of April 8. SM Entertainment announced on the 3rd, stating "We have had deep discussions with Mark regarding future directions and agreed to terminate the exclusive contract after sufficient mutual communication." Following Mark's departure, all NCT group activities including NCT 127 and NCT Dream will conclude. Mark debuted with NCT in 2016 and has been a core member of both NCT 127 and NCT Dream for approximately 10 years, while also establishing himself as a solo artist after releasing the solo album 'The Firstfruit' in April 2024. SM Entertainment stated "Mark has demonstrated outstanding abilities not only in group activities but also as a solo artist" and expressed "sincere support for Mark's new journey as he leaves the team." With Mark's departure, NCT 127 will operate as a seven-member unit featuring Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, and Haechan, while NCT Dream will transition to a six-member lineup of Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung as they continue their activities.