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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Hallyuwood devider Former NCT member Mark Lee launches own agency following SM Entertainment exit

Former NCT member Mark Lee launches own agency following SM Entertainment exit

Published Jun 4, 2026 12:14 pm
Mark Lee (Instagram)
Mark Lee (Instagram)

Korean-Canadian singer Mark Lee has taken a major step in his post-NCT career by establishing his own agency, less than two months after his departure from SM Entertainment and K-pop group NCT.

The artist announced the launch of Upper Room through a new Instagram account, signaling the beginning of his independent activities. A video accompanying the announcement featured the Bible passage Mark 14:12–15, which references an "upper room," offering insight into the inspiration behind the agency's name.

Business records in South Korea show that Mark has registered Upper Room Inc. as a management company under the professional, scientific and technical services category. The registration lists "Lee Mark" as the company's representative.

The move marks a new chapter for the singer, who officially parted ways with SM Entertainment in April after years as a member of NCT and its subunits NCT 127 and NCT Dream.

At the time, SM Entertainment said the decision followed extensive discussions regarding Mark's future activities.

“We have held in-depth discussions with Mark regarding his future activities over a long period of time, and after sufficient mutual dialogue, we have agreed to terminate his exclusive contract as of April 8. Accordingly, Mark will conclude all activities with NCT, including NCT 127 and NCT Dream,” the agency said.

Following his departure, NCT 127 continued as a seven-member group, while NCT Dream moved forward with six members.

SM Entertainment also expressed support for the singer's future endeavors, stating, “We express our gratitude for the precious time we have walked together and sincerely support Mark's future as he leaves the team to embark on a new journey.”

The establishment of Upper Room suggests that Mark is pursuing greater creative and business autonomy as he begins the next phase of his career outside one of K-pop's biggest entertainment companies.

Mark Lee (Instagram)
Mark Lee (Instagram)
Screenshots from videos launching the agency Upper Room (Screenshots from Upper Room's Instagram account)
Screenshots from videos launching the agency Upper Room (Screenshots from Upper Room's Instagram account)

Related Tags

Mark Lee NCT Mark NCT 127 NCT Dream KPOP
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