Fans say he looks “free.”
Koreaboo
21 minutes ago
Mark Lee, a former member of NCT, shocked everyone by announcing earlier this month that he had decided to leave not only the group and its multiple subunits, but also SM Entertainment.
| @onyourm__ark/Instagram
His departure sparked a lot of mixed reactions among fans and netizens, including theories that he would stop being an idol to become a pastor.
Fan Theory About The Reason For NCT Mark’s Departure Goes Viral
However, Mark has now been spotted in public for the first time since his departure. Videos of the idol at Coachella went instantly viral and sparked strong reactions.
hes really just some guy… at coachella.. 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/e3HipAv1Tc
— ٰ (@joyfularchives) April 19, 2026
Mark was casually walking among other attendees, wearing a simple black tank top and baggy brown shorts. While the star looked as casual as one can at a festival like Coachella, his idol visuals helped him stand out. In fact, many fans claim he looks happy and free.
마크야 잘 지내고 있어서 다행이다
자유로워 보이는 너의 모습이 너무 좋다 https://t.co/CXj48srFPi
— 쬬 (@thefirstfruit13) April 19, 2026
Mark, I’m so glad you’re doing well. I love seeing you look so free.
— Netizen via X
근데 내가 지금 제일 미치는점은
저 핫가이 남자가 지금 현재 찐 일반인이라는 점임.. https://t.co/sKCEpeK1jG
— 밍크 (@mingkeu_802) April 19, 2026
But what’s actually driving me crazy right now is that this total hottie is currently just a regular civilian…
— Netizen via X
아 마음 존나 따뜻해져…
우리 마크 진짜 해보고 싶은 것도 해보고 행복하게 지내고 있는 거지? 응? https://t.co/15MArwmmqi
— 프리카 (@OneAndOnly0803) April 19, 2026
Ah, my heart feels so warm… Our Mark is out there doing the things he’s always wanted to do and living happily, right? Right?
— Netizen via X
oh that freedom from sm made mark GLOWING even more… pic.twitter.com/kqHwdIQOwQ
— 𝄞⨾𓍢ִ໋ (@jaeminners) April 19, 2026
Others pointed out that, now that he is no longer under SM Entertainment, he seemingly isn’t being stalked by sasaengs anymore, which is why no one knew he had gone to Coachella until he was spotted by fans there. Many saw it as a big positive of his controversial departure.
when u realize that people can’t stalk mark accurately because sm can’t sell his info to sasaengs anymore https://t.co/0qJSsOfRYi pic.twitter.com/UkWxLz92ur
— ౨ৎ (@pinkkinjm) April 19, 2026
the way no one knows he’s at coachella if it weren’t for some random fans.. and its bec sm can’t sell his schedule to his sasaengs anymore WE CHEEREDDD pic.twitter.com/l7OyVcc9jd
— ( ͡•. ͡•.)♡︎ (@mrkjnjm) April 19, 2026
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