Mark's agency warns of legal action against malicious online posts after NCT departure

The agency of singer Mark Lee, who left NCT to pursue a solo career, has announced plans to take legal action against malicious online posts targeting the artist.

Upper Room issued an official statement Thursday, saying it had been continuously monitoring harmful posts about the artist — including malicious defamation, the spread of baseless false information and violations of personal rights — across various online platforms and social media since its establishment in the first half of this year.

"The artist is currently more concerned about the emotional pain and stress that such malicious posts may cause fans than about himself," the agency said. It added that it would take firm legal action against malicious posts and comments constituting cyberbullying, for the sake of both the artist and his fans.

The agency also pledged to "do its best to ensure that only meaningful interactions through music continue between the artist and fans."

Mark concluded his exclusive contract with SM Entertainment in April after 10 years and left all NCT units, including NCT 127 and NCT Dream.

At the time, he explained his decision to go solo, saying he had grown curious about what his childhood dreams would look like fully realized now that his contract had run its course, and that he wanted to dive in with full dedication. "I really wanted to find out what my music — my fruit — would be, and how I could bring it into the world," he said.

As news of his departure unsettled the fandom and speculation about the reasons behind it spread, other members stepped in to address the situation directly.

Doyoung, who was serving in the military at the time, said he would be overcome with unbearable sadness and a sense of injustice if suspicion and speculation arose about his relationship with Mark and the other members.

Chenle urged fans not to put too much stock in the rumors and speculation about Mark circulating online. "Rumors are merely rumors — there is no evidence they are true," he said.

Jisung said he wanted to cheer on his older brother's path forward from afar.

With Mark's departure, NCT 127 now operates as a seven-member group — Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo and Haechan. NCT Dream continues as a six-member unit comprising Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle and Jisung.

Mark has signed with Upper Room and is focusing on his solo career. He is set to release a new single, "My Friend."