Mark Lee’s Departure and Initial Fan Reactions
The K-Pop world was taken by surprise earlier this year with the announcement that beloved idol Mark Lee would be departing from NCT and SM Entertainment. This news sent ripples through the fandom, leaving many fans heartbroken and curious about the future of NCT.
While there were a number of reactions from fans, many focused on the group’s response to Mark’s departure. It was heartwarming to see several members comment on the idol’s heartfelt letter, indicating their continued support and friendship. Furthermore, Mark himself appeared to have spent precious time with some members even after his official departure, suggesting that personal bonds remained strong despite the changes.
The Controversy Unfolds: NCT 127 & Subtle “Shading”?
However, in the often-intense world of K-Pop, not all interactions or messages are seen through rose-tinted glasses. Recently, some actions, particularly from NCT 127, have been perceived by a segment of the fandom as subtly “shading” Mark, sparking considerable discussion online. This includes a particularly notable incident tied to their upcoming comeback.
NCT 127 are currently gearing up for their highly anticipated return on August 24 with their new album, *Blingy*. The group has been diligently teasing their album, building immense excitement among NCTzens for their fresh sound and concepts.
On August 11, NCT 127 dropped a track video for *Piñata*, one of the exciting b-sides from their upcoming album. The song itself immediately captured attention with its dynamic, rock-infused sound. The accompanying video perfectly matched this vibe, featuring the members engaging in energetic roughhousing and playful antics, showcasing their close camaraderie and powerful presence.
“Choose The People Who Stayed”: The Controversial Message
The *Piñata* video, however, contained more than just powerful visuals and a catchy tune. Throughout the footage, a long and reflective message appears on screen, centered around the profound theme of “choosing life.” These on-screen messages are often open to various interpretations and can hold deep meaning for fans, sometimes even becoming iconic catchphrases.
Among the myriad of thought-provoking phrases, the final message truly resonated and, for some, stirred significant controversy: “Choose the people who stayed.” This particular line stood out to many fans immediately. While it could be interpreted in various ways, a significant portion of the fandom has regretfully interpreted it as a subtle “shade” or jab directed towards Mark, given his recent departure from the group. This interpretation has fueled considerable debate, with fans on both sides discussing the potential intentions behind the message and its implications for the group and the fandom.
idk if yall heard 127 but they said fuck #him and #him https://t.co/jhv0bg4UDc
— hali! υ ̳◜ ﻌ ◝ ̳υ ✦ (@yutsiedaesie) August 11, 2026
— 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
Whether this message was intentionally aimed at Mark or simply a coincidental phrase open to misinterpretation remains a topic of passionate discussion among NCTzens. In the fast-paced K-Pop industry, every detail is scrutinized, and sometimes, a simple phrase, no matter how innocuous it may seem, can spark a thousand theories and passionate debates among dedicated fans.
