NCT 127 future after Mark Lee's exit explained: Lineup changes, military service and inactive members
NCT 127 debuted on July 7, 2016, with seven members
It has been a rough year for many K-Pop fans. After Danielle’s departure from NewJeans, Heeseung shocked fans with his exit from ENHYPEN. And now, Mark Lee has left NCT 127, another move that left fans reeling, with many noting that he “really was the soul of NCT.” One tearful fan even wrote, “Mark is NCT.”
All about NCT 127
NCT 127 debuted on July 7, 2016, with seven members: Taeil, Taeyong, Yuta, Jaehyun, Winwin, Mark, and Haechan. Later that year, Doyoung and Johnny joined, and Jungwoo completed the lineup in 2018. From the start, their music became known for experimental hip-hop, high-energy choreography, and precise vocals and raps that earned them early acclaim.
Their breakout came in 2017 with Cherry Bomb, a song that became emblematic of NCT 127’s daring style. By 2020, tracks like Kick It cemented their international presence, leading to major US. chart placements and partnerships with Capitol Music Group and Caroline Distribution. Albums such as Neo Zone and Sticker shattered records, making NCT 127 one of SM Entertainment’s most commercially successful acts and earning historic recognition on the Billboard 200.
Taeil
Even before Mark’s departure, NCT 127 faced challenges. Last year, lead singer Taeil was charged with sexual assault. He was sentenced to three and a half years in prison, required to complete 40 hours of educational programming related to sexual violence, and must register as a sexual offender in his neighborhood.
Additionally, he is banned from working professionally in any field involving children or youths for the next five years. Consequently, his contract was terminated.
Inactive members
Several members are currently inactive due to mandatory military service for South Korean male idols. Doyoung, Jaehyun, and Jungwoo are fulfilling their national duties, a standard pause in their careers. Winwin remains inactive as he focuses on his solo acting career and fashion work in China, keeping him largely separate from NCT’s recent music releases.
What is the future of NCT 127?
The new lineup
With Mark’s exit on April 8, 2026, the two primary Seoul-based units are moving forward as fixed groups:
NCT 127: Will continue as a seven-member group, Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, and Haechan. The group faces a transition period as members balance mandatory military service with solo projects.
NCT DREAM: Following Mark’s second and final departure, the unit will remain a six-member group, Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung. After the abolition of the “graduation” system years ago, this lineup is now permanent.
