NCT Members’ Contract Expiration Dates Go Viral, Sparking Concern Following Mark’s Departure

On April 3, it was announced that Mark would depart from NCT and SM Entertainment.

Fans were understandably shocked by the news, and Mark personally addressed his departure in letters shared on his account. Since a post about a possible NCT member departing the group gained attention, it was claimed to be “insider information.”

Now-Deleted “Insider Info” That Leaked Mark’s Exit Also Alleges Another NCT Member Will Leave

Now that Mark has departed, the status of the other NCT members is in question.

Mark remained with SM Entertainment for 10 years after his debut as an NCT member, a common contract length for SM Entertainment idols. A post with the names of idols and their supposed contract expiration dates was recently discussed.

April 2026:

Ten
Mark

July 2026:

Yuta
Winwin
Haechan

August 2026:

Renjun
Jeno
Jaemin
Chenle
Jisung

January 2026:

Johnny

Oct 2026:

Jaehyun ([military] service period 1 year, 6 months)
Doyoung ([military] service period 1 year, 6 months)

— Post

Many fans shared their thoughts, believing that more members would follow Mark’s path.

I just started laughing in disbelief it's so over https://t.co/YeCer2Xm9u

— ⋆yam⋆ (@yammaxxing) April 3, 2026

I think there's a good chance at least 5 more people on this list leave by the end of this year. https://t.co/r3LvnnQQWb

— Jen | 🌞🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻💎 (@CapitalBelle) April 3, 2026

by the end of next year ncity might be a ghost town… https://t.co/5OcYla7a1y

— t✨ (@ungodlyhwa) April 3, 2026

Some also pointed out the abnormal lengths of contracts, along with extensions for military service.

sm is actually demonic for the 10 year plus extended contracts for military enlistment… your downfall is soon @SMTOWNGLOBAL https://t.co/r76WWfhEdX

— Dag (@mooncloud03) April 3, 2026

It appears that Mark’s departure from SM Entertainment and NCT, where he was known by even non-fans, has shaken many.