MARK LEE
MARK clarified once again the reason why he gave up the name of NCT.
It was neither a retirement nor a choice to give up music. On the contrary, he left the cocoon he was accustomed to in order to focus fully on the music and life direction he envisions. While he deserves to be respected for his individual artist choice, the void left for the group and the fans is not negligible either, as MARK played an active role at the center of NCT for a long time.
MARK specifically revealed, for the first time since his departure from NCT and his separation from SM Entertainment, his feelings at the time and the goals he wishes to achieve in the future via his personal YouTube channel this past August 14.
The news that MARK was ending his exclusive contract with SM Entertainment and withdrawing from all NCT activities last April caused a major shock to fans. Indeed, having been active starting in NCT U in 2016, then in NCT 127 and NCT DREAM, and having expanded his scope all the way to SUPERM, his presence as “Mark of NCT” was particularly striking.
MARK also recalled that “the process of announcing the decision had not been easy”. He stated that he had “thought for a long time before writing the handwritten letter intended for fans, and that he had tried to integrate as sincerely as possible his feelings toward those who had supported him over the past 10 years”. He was so careful that it took him about two days to complete a single letter.
However, this letter filled with sincerity also led to unexpected confusion. As specific future activity plans were not sufficiently known, rumors that MARK was leaving the entertainment industry even surfaced.
Various speculations followed, ranging from retirement to busking, to choosing a completely different life. MARK‘s family was also said to have felt anxiety facing the influx of reactions.
For MARK, this process itself became an opportunity to understand the fans’ perspective. He belatedly realized that while “continuing music” was an obvious given for him, fans found themselves in a situation where they could not know what he would do in the future.
That is why the answer chosen by MARK was once again music. He expressed his intention that “rather than convincing about his future through long explanations, he first wanted to show a new result”.
The future goal revealed by MARK is clear. It is the dream not only to succeed as a solo singer, but also to bring to life through music the new “style” he envisions. Believing that positive values and a powerful, captivating image can perfectly coexist, he presented a direction aimed at creating music capable of transmitting this to the next generation.
Having already deployed his own music for real through his first solo studio album “THE FIRSTFRUIT” released last April, MARK‘s journey after NCT comes down to creating another narrative as an independent artist.
However, the fact that MARK‘s personal dream is clear and the regret felt by NCT and the fans are two distinct issues.
MARK held a position within NCT that is difficult to describe simply as one of many members. Navigating between several units, from NCT U to NCT 127 and NCT DREAM, he played a considerable role in building the group’s musical identity.
His characteristic rap and performances, as well as the energy he showed on stage, were long familiar elements composing NCT‘s music. In particular, due to the fact that he was active as a key member in both teams with different colors that are NCT 127 and NCT DREAM, the impact of his departure can only be even stronger.
For the fans, a time going beyond music has accumulated. For the fans who watched MARK‘s growth process since his debut in 2016 and supported him as he worked tirelessly across multiple units, the sudden “end of activities within NCT” was a change that was hard to accept easily.
MARK was not unaware of this fact either. On the contrary, through this video, he confessed to having realized that he had absolutely no intention of retiring, but that fans could not know his future at that time, thus acknowledging this disconnect.
That is why it is difficult to consider the fans’ regret simply as a reaction of inability to accept the artist’s decision. Just as MARK has the right to pursue his dream, the regret of having to leave that time behind also exists for the fans who supported “Mark of NCT” for a long period. The same goes from the team’s perspective. It is not because MARK left that NCT‘s time stops, but the absence of a member who was active at the center of several units for about 10 years demands new changes and adaptation.
In the end, two feelings coexist in this choice. On one side, there is MARK‘s dream that has become clear enough to leave a familiar environment toward the music he truly wishes to create, and on the other side, there is the sense of loss of the team and the fans who can no longer see full-group activities because of this choice.
SM Entertainment also expressed its gratitude toward MARK, who was active over the past 10 years, and supported his new beginning, with the position that they decided to go their respective ways after long discussions upon the end of the contract. MARK also left his gratitude toward the members and the fans, while affirming his intention to focus on his dream.
From now on, what is important is less knowing why MARK left than seeing what he will show after his departure. Given that he stepped out of the big name that is NCT for his own music, the meaning of this choice will most likely be completed through the music and activities he will offer in the future.
At the same time, the 10 years spent within NCT are a time that cannot be erased from MARK‘s music, even after his independence. For the many stages, albums, and experiences with the members are the foundation that made MARK the artist he is today.
MARK, who made the bold choice of a new path by pursuing his dream. From now on, how the “music he wishes to show to the next generation” that he spoke of comes to life should determine the true evaluation of his solo takeoff. And in the process of waiting for this new music, the fans’ regret toward MARK, who was with NCT, should naturally remain for a certain period of time.
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: YouTube MARK LEE
