Fans have cited Mark’s own words.
Koreaboo
54 minutes ago
Earlier this month, it was announced that Mark Lee would no longer be a member of NCT.
The idol was also announced to have left SM Entertainment, with hints about his future activities to follow in the coming days.
Mark | SM Entertainment
The idol was also spotted enjoying his new freedom at Coachella 2026, and fulfilling a once-expressed desire.
Former NCT Mark’s Transformation After Leaving SM Entertainment Sparks Huge Reactions
However, his attendance has sparked reactions from fans who have defended the idol.
A few years ago, NCT DREAM members shared that they had matching friendship rings. The rings, initially matching Cartier models, have changed over the years; most recently, the members were seen wearing Boucheron rings.
nct dream friendship rings
cartier yo!드ring boucheron pic.twitter.com/AFF74FZJL8
— ren (@hyutaesft) February 18, 2025
In his last photos sent on Bubble, Mark shared two pictures of himself from Coachella, including one in which he was holding up two peace signs.
| Bubble | Bubble
A fan pointed out that Mark was not wearing the ring, reflecting on what that might mean.
Fans quickly defended Mark against any suspicion, adding that the idol addressed his friendship with the NCT members and seemed to leave on a good note.
So nctzens are purposely ignoring these parts of Mark’s letter where he said how much he loves members, how he talked to each member, every single member is supporting him, how incredibly thankful Mark is towards members and that HE WILL CONTINUE LOVING AND SUPPORTING MEMBERS pic.twitter.com/CR8rh3U8Ft
— ᴄᴀʀᴏʟɪɴᴇ (@anythingforlmk) April 21, 2026
idk if u guys noticed but nct dream cried on their last concert as 7, they posted with mark on insta plus haechan’s famous vhdpqj clfemfla caption, they all sent many messages on bubble to talk about their feelings and reassure us so idk why yall are questioning their friendship
— ☆noa★ SUNSUNIE DAY (@jenhyucks_) April 20, 2026
breaking my silence i think yall are being too dramatic over the rings thing. the other members also dont wear it literally all the time, and there were many instances when mark wasnt wearing them before leaving, its not that big of a deal, i believe u guys are overthinking it
— cati (@ifjaebum) April 20, 2026
You can read more about the member responses to his departure below.
NCT Members React To Mark Lee’s Departure
NCT