“I think it’s a situation where you all can’t help but feel resentful…”
35 minutes ago
In the wake of Mark‘s shocking departure from all NCT units and SM Entertainment, fellow member Chenle has stepped forward to address fans directly, offering a candid and emotional look at how the group is processing the change.
NCT’s Chenle | @kh1000le/Instagram
Mark’s exit—confirmed by SM Entertainment following “long and careful discussions,” with his contract set to end on April 8, 2026 (KST)—marks the end of a decade-long run with the group, spanning NCT 127, NCT Dream, and multiple projects. The news has sent shockwaves through the fandom, with fans grappling not only with the loss of a core member but also with unanswered questions about what comes next.
Mark Lee Withdraws From NCT — Leaves SM Entertainment
In a series of heartfelt messages, Chenle acknowledged the overwhelming emotions fans are feeling, admitting that while he himself is deeply saddened, what hurts him most is knowing how confused and shaken fans must be. He emphasized that the members have already shared what they can about the situation, suggesting that further explanations may not be necessary, but made it clear there were still things he personally wanted to say.
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I’m just as sad, but it really breaks my heart that you all must be feeling very upset and confused too. Honestly, since the other members already explained things, I don’t think there’s really any need to further explain the situation. What I really want to say—I mentioned this earlier in the Dream group chat too—is that Mark worked so hard as a great leader for 10 years, and I’m really, really thankful. He’s someone we absolutely cannot replace. But going forward, even as 6Dream, we’re going to each work harder and try to make NCT Dream even cooler. So what I want to tell you all is that we will continue Dream activities, and since our comeback schedule is already set, we’ll do our best to return with an even better presence, and show you that Dream is still alive.
Also, I hope you don’t believe too much of the speculation or rumors online about Mark or the other Dream members… Like saying it’s because of this or that. Rumors are just rumors, and there’s no evidence that they’re true.
— Chenle
Chenle described Mark as an irreplaceable leader who carried the group for the past 10 years, expressing both gratitude and admiration. He didn’t shy away from acknowledging the reality many fans are struggling with—saying it’s almost impossible to imagine NCT, or NCT Dream, without him. Still, he drew a firm line between honoring Mark’s impact and defining the group’s future.
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And Mark was such a huge presence, whether in Dream or in NCT as a whole. It’s only natural that it’s hard to imagine NCT or NCT Dream without Mark.
But even if he’s not here anymore, we are Dream, we are NCT, and we have to show—and we will show—that what we do is still solid. That’s our duty and what we need to do. We have to do our best so people don’t end up thinking, “They’re not good without Mark.” We have to prove that we are Dream.
But to be really honest, I think it’s a situation where you all can’t help but feel resentful toward Mark. Even if I put myself in your position, I’d think the same. But Mark truly loves you all, Dream, 127, NCT as a whole, so before making this decision and after it was made, we talked a lot from beginning to end.
Of course, now I get it too, like, ‘Why didn’t we stop him?’ And I’m sorry. But I hope everyone understands where he’s coming from. This was really, really a difficult decision he made.
— Chenle
He also directly addressed the wave of speculation circulating online, urging fans not to believe rumors about internal conflict or hidden reasons behind Mark’s departure.
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I think a lot of you are probably very curious about things like this. If you want, I can tell you one by one, as much as I can. But when it comes to Mark’s feelings… I don’t have the right to speak on that. So… let’s just face the future. Let’s welcome it.
— Chenle
Acknowledging the difficulty of the moment, Chenle framed this transition as not just a loss, but an opportunity for growth. While he admitted the road ahead won’t be easy, he expressed quiet confidence that things will eventually stabilize, encouraging fans to move forward with the group and face the future together.
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I think this could be an opportunity for everyone to grow bigger and faster. The process won’t be easy. But I think everything will turn out okay in the end.
— Chenle
As NCT Dream prepares to continue as six and Mark embarks on a new chapter, Chenle’s words offer a rare glimpse into the group’s internal mindset—balancing grief, loyalty, and determination in real time.
Read Mark’s letter explaining his departure here:
Mark Personally Addresses Fans Following His Departure From NCT