Mark, a key member of K-pop group NCT, is ending his exclusive contract with SM Entertainment and withdrawing from all NCT-affiliated groups. SM Entertainment announced on April 3 that Mark and the company agreed to terminate his exclusive contract effective April 8 after extensive discussions about his future direction. Mark debuted with NCT in 2016 and has served as a core member of both NCT 127 and NCT Dream for the past decade, playing a crucial role in both groups' success. In April of last year, he released his solo album 'The Firstfruit,' successfully launching his solo career as an artist. Following Mark's departure, NCT 127 will operate as a seven-member unit consisting of Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, and Haechan, while NCT Dream will transition to a six-member lineup featuring Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung. SM Entertainment expressed gratitude for the valuable time spent with Mark and pledged to sincerely support his new journey as an independent artist.