Mark Lee Breaks Silence: Reflecting on NCT Departure and Solo Dreams
Mark Lee, the beloved artist who recently parted ways with NCT to embark on a solo journey, has finally opened up, sharing his deepest thoughts and future aspirations four months after his highly-publicized departure. His candid reflections come via a new YouTube video, offering fans a crucial glimpse into his personal journey and exciting plans.
On August 14th, fans rejoiced as Mark uploaded a heartfelt video titled “Stories So Far And Dreams Ahead” on his personal YouTube channel, Mark Lee. In the candid footage, he delved into his feelings about leaving NCT and unveiled the exciting new musical goals he’s set for himself.
The Emotional Weight of His Farewell Letter
Mark referenced the deeply personal, handwritten letter he shared back in April, which announced the conclusion of his exclusive contract with SM Entertainment and his official departure from NCT. He confessed, “At the time, I really struggled with how to write it and even prayed about it.” He further elaborated on his heartfelt message, adding, “Thanks to all of you, the past ten years were happy, and I tried my best to express that the person I am now is here because of you. I believed that conveying sincerity was the best I could do, so I wrote it over two days.”
Addressing the Speculations: “I Wasn’t Retiring”
He also bravely addressed the whirlwind of speculations that followed his letter’s release, revealing the immense emotional toll it took. Mark shared, “After posting the letter, I didn’t even go home. My mom was honestly very scared,” explaining the barrage of questions he faced: “There were questions like ‘Are you retiring?,’ ‘Are you busking?,’ ‘Are you diving?’ at that time.”
Mark was quick to reassure his worried fanbase, emphasizing, “I wasn’t retiring, but fans didn’t know that. I also learned more about the fans’ perspective then.” He underscored his unwavering commitment to music, stating, “I was absolutely certain I needed to come out with music first.” Despite his departure from NCT and SM, he made it unequivocally clear that his music career is far from over, and he’s not retiring from the entertainment industry.
A New Artistic Vision and “Brad Pitt Coolness”
Looking ahead, Mark excitedly unveiled the kind of music and life direction he intends to pursue. Drawing inspiration from Hollywood, he playfully remarked, “I wanted to be a cool guy like Brad Pitt.” He then thoughtfully elaborated on what “cool” truly means to him: “Isn’t it possible to be kind, hot, and stylish at the same time?”
He expressed a profound new dream, adding, “A dream came to me to show that kind of good coolness to the world,” and articulated a clear vision: “I now have a clear dream to ultimately show that music to the next generation.”
Mark Lee’s Illustrious Career Journey
Mark’s journey in K-Pop is extensive and illustrious. He first debuted in 2016 with NCT U and has since been a pivotal member of NCT 127, NCT DREAM, and the supergroup SuperM. In April last year, he already showcased his exceptional capabilities as a solo artist with the release of his first full-length album, “The Firstfruit.” However, his announcement in April this year, terminating his contract with SM Entertainment and departing from NCT, marked a significant turning point, now clarified with this powerful new video.
