Following singer BoA, an iconic artist for SM Entertainment (hereinafter referred to as SM), NCT member Mark has also reportedly left SM. Attention is now focused on the successive news of these prominent artists departing from the agency.
BoA concluded her 25-year journey with her agency, SM Entertainment, on January 12th. At the time, SM announced that they had agreed to terminate her exclusive contract with BoA as of December 31, 2025.
SM stated, “It was a true honor to be part of every moment, from BoA’s special debut, which wrote a new history in the Korean popular music scene, to her current growth as a No. 1 artist and producer.” BoA also bid farewell, saying, “I leave without regrets, having given and received generously. I am grateful for the time we shared and will continue to support a shining SM.”
Since her debut in 2000, BoA has consistently been with SM, establishing herself as an artist representing the company and a symbol of first-generation K-pop solo female singers. She is particularly recognized for her significant role in SM’s growth and global expansion, achieving remarkable success both domestically and internationally, including pioneering the Japanese market.
Beyond her artist activities, BoA also maintained influence within the company. She was appointed as an unregistered director at SM in 2014 and later contributed to fostering junior artists by participating as a producer for NCT WISH.
However, BoA also went through a difficult time, suffering from malicious comments after her drama ‘Marry My Husband’ aired in 2024. At the time, she hinted at retirement herself, mentioning, “My contract is until December 31, 2025,” which garnered attention regarding her future plans. Ultimately, as her exclusive contract with SM indeed ended, BoA’s departure, after symbolizing the company for a long time, came as a considerable shock to many.
Currently, BoA has established her one-person agency, BApal Entertainment, embarking on a new beginning in her career.
Adding to this, recent news of NCT’s key member Mark also parting ways with SM has drawn further attention to the successive departures of prominent artists from the agency.
On the 3rd, SM announced, “After long discussions with Mark regarding his future activities, we mutually agreed to terminate his exclusive contract as of April 8th.” Consequently, Mark will not only leave SM but also conclude all NCT activities, including those with NCT 127 and NCT DREAM.
With the news of Mark’s exclusive contract termination and team departure, images of the NCT DREAM members embracing and shedding tears at the final performance of their recent solo concert, ‘2026 NCT DREAM TOUR ‘THE DREAM SHOW 4 : FUTURE THE DREAM’ FINALE,’ were re-highlighted. Following this, fans are unable to hide their shock as news of Mark’s departure came just five days later.
Mark conveyed his feelings about leaving through a handwritten letter. He stated, “I know this might feel too sudden for everyone. In fact, since my trainee days, or perhaps even before, I’ve always held a dream in my heart.” He continued, “After experiencing the world to the fullest and embarking on the best journey for 10 years, I naturally began to ponder what my greatest dream could be, and what the best purpose and role I could have as Mark. As my 10-year contract concludes, I’ve awakened all my senses that were hidden within and, after long contemplation, I’ve become truly curious about the exact completed form of that dream and want to dive into it wholeheartedly. It seems I’ve become determined to find out what my music or my ‘fruit’ will be, and how I can share it with the world, and make it happen.”
Meanwhile, with Mark’s departure, NCT 127 has been reorganized into a 7-member group with Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, and Haechan, while NCT DREAM is now a 6-member group with Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung.
