NCT’s Chenle Addresses Mark’s Departure With Heartfelt Message to Fans

Mark’s sudden exit from all NCT units and SM Entertainment has left fans stunned. Now, fellow member Chenle has opened up, sharing raw emotions and addressing the confusion head-on.

Mark’s departure was confirmed by SM Entertainment after “long and careful discussions,” with his contract officially ending on April 8, 2026 (KST). This ends his 10-year journey with NCT 127, NCT Dream, and other projects. Fans are still reeling from the news, struggling to grasp what this means for the group’s future.

In a heartfelt message, Chenle expressed his sadness but focused on the fans’ feelings of confusion and hurt. He acknowledged that other members have already explained the situation, but he wanted to personally thank Mark for his decade of hard work and leadership.

I’m just as sad, but it really breaks my heart that you all must be feeling very upset and confused too. Honestly, since the other members already explained things, I don’t think there’s really any need to further explain the situation. What I really want to say—I mentioned this earlier in the Dream group chat too—is that Mark worked so hard as a great leader for 10 years, and I’m really, really thankful. He’s someone we absolutely cannot replace. But going forward, even as 6Dream, we’re going to each work harder and try to make NCT Dream even cooler. So what I want to tell you all is that we will continue Dream activities, and since our comeback schedule is already set, we’ll do our best to return with an even better presence, and show you that Dream is still alive.

Chenle urged fans not to buy into rumors or speculation about Mark or the other members, emphasizing that such claims have no proof.

Also, I hope you don’t believe too much of the speculation or rumors online about Mark or the other Dream members… Like saying it’s because of this or that. Rumors are just rumors, and there’s no evidence that they’re true.

He described Mark as an irreplaceable leader whose presence shaped both NCT Dream and the entire NCT group.

And Mark was such a huge presence, whether in Dream or in NCT as a whole. It’s only natural that it’s hard to imagine NCT or NCT Dream without Mark.

Chenle made it clear the group will keep moving forward, proving their strength even without Mark.

But even if he’s not here anymore, we are Dream, we are NCT, and we have to show—and we will show—that what we do is still solid. That’s our duty and what we need to do. We have to do our best so people don’t end up thinking, “They’re not good without Mark.” We have to prove that we are Dream.

He also addressed the difficult emotions fans might feel toward Mark’s departure.

But to be really honest, I think it’s a situation where you all can’t help but feel resentful toward Mark. Even if I put myself in your position, I’d think the same. But Mark truly loves you all, Dream, 127, NCT as a whole, so before making this decision and after it was made, we talked a lot from beginning to end.

Chenle admitted regret over not stopping Mark but asked fans to understand the tough choice he made.

Of course, now I get it too, like, ‘Why didn’t we stop him?’ And I’m sorry. But I hope everyone understands where he’s coming from. This was really, really a difficult decision he made.

He refused to speak on Mark’s personal feelings but encouraged fans to look ahead.

I think a lot of you are probably very curious about things like this. If you want, I can tell you one by one, as much as I can. But when it comes to Mark’s feelings… I don’t have the right to speak on that. So… let’s just face the future. Let’s welcome it.

Chenle sees this moment as a chance for growth despite the challenges ahead.

I think this could be an opportunity for everyone to grow bigger and faster. The process won’t be easy. But I think everything will turn out okay in the end.

As NCT Dream moves forward as six members, Chenle’s honest words reveal the group’s mix of grief, loyalty, and determination.

Read Mark’s personal letter explaining his departure here:

Mark Personally Addresses Fans Following His Departure From NCT