The K-pop industry is currently navigating a period of significant transition following the unexpected announcement that Mark Lee, a foundational member of the global boy group NCT, has officially withdrawn from the group and terminated his contract with SM Entertainment. The news, which broke in early April 2026, has not only disrupted the strategic roadmap of one of South Korea’s largest entertainment agencies but has also sparked a profound period of reflection among industry professionals and fans alike. Among the most notable reactions is a public apology from freelance editor and interviewer Hong Milmil, whose candid admission of past prejudice toward the artist has gone viral, shedding light on the immense psychological pressure and competitive scrutiny faced by top-tier idols.
The Catalyst: An Unprecedented Departure
Mark Lee’s departure marks the end of an era for NCT, a group defined by its "infinite expansion" concept. Since his debut in 2016, Mark has been the only member to consistently feature across nearly every major sub-unit, including NCT U, NCT 127, and NCT Dream, while also serving as a core member of the supergroup SuperM. His ubiquity within the brand led to him being affectionately dubbed "the busiest man in K-pop," a title that reflected both his immense talent and the staggering workload he sustained for a decade.
The announcement of his withdrawal was met with immediate shock. SM Entertainment’s initial statement was brief, citing a mutual agreement to part ways as the artist seeks a new path outside the idol group structure. In the hours following the news, SM Entertainment’s stock saw a notable fluctuation, reflecting Mark’s status as a high-value asset whose presence was integral to the commercial success of multiple musical units.
The Public Apology of Hong Milmil
In the wake of the departure, Hong Milmil, a respected freelance editor who has worked closely with various K-pop entities, took to social media to share a lengthy and vulnerable reflection. Their statement provided a rare glimpse into the internal biases that can exist even among industry professionals who observe these artists from the sidelines.
Hong confessed that for a long time, they harbored a sense of resentment toward Mark. "Mark was not my bias nor my bias wrecker," the editor wrote, using industry terminology for a favorite member. "If I had to put him in a category, I would be closer to hating him." This animosity, Hong explained, stemmed from Mark’s perceived perfection. As a fan of Haechan—another member who frequently promoted alongside Mark—Hong felt a sense of "insurmountable" competition.
The editor described Mark as a figure who "stood at the center of every NCT team," possessing "exceptional skills" and "perfect self-management." This level of accomplishment, rather than inspiring Hong, led to a "sense of dissatisfaction" and envy. They questioned why their own "bias" could not match Mark’s pace or achieve the same level of universal acclaim.
However, the news of Mark’s departure served as a turning point for the editor. Hong noted that seeing Mark walk away from a position of peak influence to pursue an "unknown path" changed their perspective. "I was certain of one thing: he chose to leave not to acquire more, but to acquire what was truly necessary," Hong stated. The apology concluded with a realization that every artist runs their own race, and that comparing them only serves to diminish their unique identities.
Chronology of Events
The timeline of Mark Lee’s departure and the subsequent fallout has been rapid, beginning with rumors in late March and culminating in the current industry-wide discourse.
- March 28, 2026: Internal reports within SM Entertainment suggest a major contract renegotiation involving a "pillar" member of NCT.
- April 2, 2026: Fans notice Mark’s absence from several scheduled promotional materials for an upcoming NCT 127 comeback.
- April 5, 2026: SM Entertainment releases an official press release confirming Mark Lee’s withdrawal from NCT and the termination of his exclusive contract.
- April 6, 2026 (AM): A fan theory regarding Mark’s desire for creative autonomy and a break from the "infinite expansion" system goes viral on South Korean community portals.
- April 6, 2026 (PM): Hong Milmil publishes their public apology, which is quickly picked up by major news outlets.
- April 6, 2026 (Evening): Mark Lee sends his first direct message to fans via a private communication platform, expressing gratitude and asking for support in his future endeavors.
Supporting Data: Mark Lee’s Impact by the Numbers
To understand why this departure has caused such a stir, one must look at Mark Lee’s statistical contribution to the NCT brand. Between 2016 and 2026, Mark participated in over 15 major album releases across different units.
- Versatility: He is credited as a songwriter on over 60 tracks within the SM Entertainment catalog, making him one of the most prolific active idols in terms of creative output.
- Market Reach: NCT 127 and NCT Dream, both units where Mark played a leadership role, have consistently achieved "million-seller" status, with combined sales exceeding 20 million copies during his tenure.
- Global Presence: As a native English speaker from Canada, Mark was the primary liaison for the group’s North American promotions, a factor that was instrumental in NCT 127’s successful charting on the Billboard 200.
Industry analysts suggest that the "Mark Lee effect" was a significant driver of the group’s western expansion. His departure leaves a void in the group’s linguistic and promotional capabilities in international markets.
Analysis of Implications
The withdrawal of a member as central as Mark Lee raises critical questions about the sustainability of the K-pop "idol" model, particularly for those in multi-unit systems. Mark’s career has often been cited in discussions regarding idol burnout. By participating in NCT 127, NCT Dream, and SuperM simultaneously, the artist was subjected to a schedule that many fans and critics deemed "inhumane."
The apology from Hong Milmil highlights a secondary issue: the toxic nature of comparison within the fan culture and the industry. When an artist is marketed as "perfect" and "omnipresent," it can inadvertently create a hostile environment for the artist themselves and for those who are compared to them. Hong’s admission that they "secretly disliked" Mark because of his excellence is a testament to the heavy burden of the "ace" title.
From a corporate standpoint, SM Entertainment must now navigate the "post-Mark" era. This involves redistributing his significant musical and performance responsibilities among the remaining members. For NCT 127, this may mean a shift in their sonic identity, as Mark’s distinct rap flow was a signature element of their "neo" sound. For NCT Dream, it marks the second time the group has faced his departure, though this time it appears permanent, unlike the "graduation" system that was previously abolished.
Official Responses and Future Outlook
While SM Entertainment has remained largely silent following their initial announcement, insiders suggest the agency is focusing on a "rebranding" strategy for the remaining NCT units. Mark himself, in his first message to fans, maintained a tone of quiet optimism. He emphasized that his decision was made after long deliberation and was necessary for his growth as an individual and an artist.
Fans, while devastated, have largely rallied behind the artist, citing the "fan theory" that he had given enough of his youth to the system and deserved to find his own voice. The sentiment across social media has shifted from one of mourning to one of curiosity regarding his next move—whether it be as a soloist, a producer, or a creative director.
The apology from Hong Milmil has served as a catalyst for a broader conversation about how the industry views its stars. It has prompted other fans and professionals to reflect on the "standard of the race" that Hong mentioned. As the K-pop industry continues to evolve, the departure of Mark Lee may be remembered as the moment the "perfect idol" narrative began to give way to a more human-centric approach to artist management and fan engagement.
For now, the industry watches closely as Mark Lee prepares for his "new journey." Whether he remains in the public eye or chooses a more private path, his legacy as a defining figure of the third and fourth generations of K-pop remains undisputed. The apology from an industry peer like Hong Milmil only reinforces the reality that beneath the "insurmountable figure" was a person striving to find a path that was truly his own.
