Fans noticed the detail quickly.
Koreaboo
53 minutes ago
Earlier this year, it was announced that Mark Lee would be leaving NCT and SM Entertainment.
Mark Lee
While there were a number of reactions from fans, many focused on the group’s response. Several members commented on the idol’s letter, with the idol appearing to have spent time with some members after his departure.
NCT’s Doyoung Directly Addresses Rumors Of Discord Following Mark’s Departure
However, some actions have been seen as “shading” Mark including a more recent one from NCT 127
NCT 127 are set to make their return on August 24 with Blingy, and have been teasing the album so far.
NCT 127 | SM Entertainment
On August 11, the group released a track video for one of the album’s b-sides, Pińata. The song leans into a more rock sound, showing the members roughhousing with each other at times.
In the video, a long message appears with the theme of “choosing life.”
Of the many messages, the final one “Choose the people who stayed,” stood out to many fans. Some have interpreted it as “shade” towards Mark, who left the group.
idk if yall heard 127 but they said fuck #him and #him https://t.co/jhv0bg4UDc
— hali! υ ̳◜ ﻌ ◝ ̳υ ✦ (@yutsiedaesie) August 11, 2026
oh we SHADYYYYY https://t.co/43cfpYST8q
— b¹²⁷ 🐝 (@beatricebng) August 11, 2026
shade is crazy😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 https://t.co/kVUER9CowD
— lica is born stunner (@Haechattack) August 11, 2026
To sum up that whole MV, its basically them choosing to stay together despite betrayals. A conscious choice for everyone in the team to be together until the end because thats what they really want. Burying all the “betrayals” and starting anew.
Kinda appropriate iykyk. pic.twitter.com/M15YeOkn0c
— ً. (@9597jaeyong) August 11, 2026
NCT