A Tale of Two Departures: Mark and Ten Leave SM Entertainment, But Fans are Split Over Their Final Goodbyes

The K-pop world is reeling from a double seismic shift as two of NCT’s most influential figures, Mark and Ten, officially announced the conclusion of their contracts with SM Entertainment. While both stars shared heartfelt messages with their supporters on April 6, 2026, the starkly different tones of their farewells have sparked a heated debate among fans.

Mark’s “Clean Break”: A Leap into the Unknown

Mark, a cornerstone of the NCT brand since 2016, confirmed his departure from all units including NCT 127 and NCT DREAM. In a handwritten letter, the idol reflected on his decade-long journey, stating that the end of his 10-year contract prompted him to re-evaluate his “ultimate dream.”

“I want to dive headfirst into the completed version of that dream,” Mark wrote. He later followed up on a fan communication platform, apologizing for the shock: “I wanted to tell you first, but it wasn’t a situation I could handle with just my own emotions. I’m sorry and thankful to the fans who were surprised. I’ll come back again.”

Ten’s “Continued Connection”: A Promise to Stay

In contrast, Ten a vital member of WayV and various NCT units announced his contract expiration with a much more reassuring outlook. SM Entertainment clarified that they are currently coordinating future activities to ensure Ten can continue participating in WayV and NCT group projects, even outside the agency.

Ten took to social media to comfort his anxious fandom, writing: “I’m not going anywhere. My dream isn’t over yet, so we will walk hand-in-hand. Don’t worry.” His proactive stance on “staying put” has been met with overwhelming relief and emotional praise from fans.

The “Communication Gap”: Why Fans are Divided

The simultaneous release of these messages has led to intense comparisons within online communities. While Ten’s fans feel “safely embraced” by his constant reassurance, a segment of Mark’s followers expressed a sense of abandonment.

• Positive Feedback for Ten: Fans noted his efforts to provide certainty during a period of upheaval, with many saying his words “I’m not going anywhere” provided immense strength.
• Disappointment Toward Mark: Some long-time fans felt his message was “too brief and casual” for a 10-year legacy. Critics argued that compared to Ten’s active consolation, Mark’s promise to simply “come back again” lacked the concrete reassurance needed to soothe the pain of a total team withdrawal.

Editor’s Insight

The divergent reactions to Mark and Ten’s departures highlight the evolving psychology of “Fandom Management” in 2026. As the “7-to-10 year contract” cycle completes for third-generation icons, the way an artist exits a group is becoming a defining part of their Topical Authority as a soloist.

From a strategic perspective, Ten is utilizing the “Stay-at-Home” model, which has been successfully pioneered by artists like Wheein (MAMAMOO) or members of GOT7. By promising to participate in group activities despite leaving the agency, he preserves his core fanbase while gaining creative freedom.

Mark, however, has opted for a “Total Rebranding” approach. While his message may feel “short” to some, it signals a desire for a clean slate. In the high-pressure environment of NCT, where Mark was famously the most “overworked” member across multiple units, his “dive into a new dream” suggests a psychological need for a complete break. For Mark, the challenge in 2026 will be proving that his “new dream” is worth the temporary heartbreak of the fans who built his foundation.

Do you think Mark’s brief message is a sign of his exhaustion from a decade of non-stop promotions, or should he have offered more “closure” for a fandom that supported him in three different units?