The K-pop star announced his exit on social media.

Weeks after <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/music/heeseung-leaving-enhypen-departure-reason-belift-statement-solo-career-age-girlfriend-controversy-scandal" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Heeseung announced his plans to exit from Enhypen</a>, another K-pop idol has announced an industry-shaking departure.&nbsp;
On April 3, Mark Lee announced his departure from&nbsp; NCT, one of the world's largest <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/k-pop-gender-fluid-fashion-impact" target="_blank" rel="noopener">K-pop</a> groups.&nbsp;
The group's label, SM Entertainment, confirmed the departure in a <a href="https://weverse.io/nctdream/notice/34680" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement posted to Weverse</a>.&nbsp;
"After a long period of careful and thoughtful discussion with MARK regarding his future activities, we have mutually agreed to conclude his exclusive contract as of April 8. MARK will conclude all activities as a member of NCT, including NCT 127 and NCT DREAM," the statement reads.&nbsp;
As fans online have noted, Lee's absence will be felt by both former group members and longtime listeners, as Lee was involved in all subgroups under NCT.&nbsp;
On <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWqKrQqkdDd/?hl=en&amp;img_index=12" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>, Lee wrote a long, thoughtful message to fans where he thanked them for their support.
&ldquo;Out of all the things my heart wants to say right now, I truly wish to say thank you. Thank you for loving, supporting, and shaping me to become who I am today. I truly believe that our hearts have better sight than our eyes, and what my heart sees right now isn't a closing door but rather an opening new one," he wrote in English.
"I hope our next chapter together could be where we are all healthily smiling about the past, welcoming the present, and being excited for what's to come. It's a quest that I myself am scared about, but I know that it's not for the worst. If I had ever done something right to have gained your trust over the last decade, I hope you believe me when I say that I'm not doing this just for fun&hellip;.&rdquo;
&ldquo;I will never forget the pieces of love and truth each and every Czennie gave me,&rdquo; he added. &ldquo;I'm not playing here, and I am for sure not playing with your guys' hearts... You guys make me want to be a better person, and I hope my decisions in life can only become a positive impact to anyone watching. I'm truly and always thinking about you guys and I'll really be working very, very hard to make it all make sense. Love you all so much.&hellip; See you.&rdquo;

Lee has been training with SM Entertainment since 2012 and debuted with NCT in 2016. Beyond his exit from the group, he also announced that he would conclude all activities with his label, including solo projects.&nbsp; 
The announcement also comes days after NCT DREAM finished its world tour in Seoul, which marked Lee's final performances as a member of the group.&nbsp;
Following Lee's official exit on April 8, the group compositions of NCT 127 and NCT DREAM will look slightly different. NCT 127 will be carried on by its seven members (Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, and Haechan) while NCT DREAM will continue as a six-member group (Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung). Lee has not announced any new steps following his NCT departure, including a new label or solo project.&nbsp;

Mark Lee Leaves NCT

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