Mark has officially left NCT and SM Entertainment, and Taeyong has posted a cryptic message that has sparked online debate.
Taeyong shared several photos on his personal Instagram with the caption “Adult” on the morning of April 4th. The images featured excerpts from the book Sentences for Adulthood by Park San Ho. Some of the highlighted quotes included: “Let’s practice saying no,” “Before I knew it, I had become an icon of refusal. It took more than money to learn how to say NO,” “Starting again from a broken place,” and “Getting lost is part of the important process of becoming an adult.” These passages have drawn significant public interest.
This post marks Taeyong’s first social media update since the news of Mark’s departure from NCT on April 3rd, leading many to speculate that it may carry a deeper message.
Mark has officially concluded his exclusive contract with SM Entertainment and has withdrawn from all NCT sub-units, including NCT, NCT 127 and NCT DREAM.
Instagram에서 이 게시물 보기
In his statement, he said, “I’ve spent a lot of time talking with each of the members lately. Just thinking about it brings me to tears because every single one of them supported me without hesitation. I feel incredibly sorry, but more than anything, I am grateful.”
“I want to thank the older members for always looking out for me like a younger brother, and the younger ones for trusting me as their leader. I’m so thankful to everyone who listened to my concerns, understood where I was coming from, and offered such thoughtful advice,” he added. “I’ve been on the journey of a lifetime sailing with these men for over a decade. Now, I’m ready to dive in and swim on my own. The members are supporting this ‘deep dive’ with so much love, and I will continue to love and cheer them on forever.”
Meanwhile, some fans have suggested that Mark’s departure might be linked to his religious beliefs.
One fan commented, “This is the first time an idol member has left because they wanted to become engrossed in religion, compose CCM music, and busk on the streets with just a guitar,” sharing a partial quote from Mark’s statement about his desire to busk.
종교에 너무 심취해서 ccm 작곡하면서 기타하나 들면서 길거리에서 버스킹 하고 싶다고 탈퇴하는 아이돌 멤버는 처음이네 존나 니얼굴짤됨
이제 돈 벌만큼 벌었으니깐 자기 음악(기독교)한다고 탈퇴
계약자체는 깔끔하게 끝낸거 맞는데 와 마크면은 엔시티에서 제일 유명한 멤버인데 진짜 너무… https://t.co/AeMTrRJOOf pic.twitter.com/iVCHCW3400— 아이나 (@aina0660) April 3, 2026
Another fan posted a screenshot of Mark performing at what appeared to be a church. “It seems like Mark is leaving to pursue religious music. His handwritten letter and even during the listening party, when he was in front of fans with a cross behind him, suggest that,” the fan wrote.
마크 종교 음악하려고 탈퇴하는 거 맞는 듯
자필편지도 그렇고 리스닝 파티때도 팬들 앞에두고 뒤에 십자가 있는거 보면,,,,,,, https://t.co/fgAMbf1O5R pic.twitter.com/epomIh4dzj— 얼음❄️ (@suuunnlin) April 3, 2026
Beyond these, other fan reactions viewing Mark’s departure as a result of religious activities are as follows:
“Mark has been a devout Christian from birth, and there’s a rumor that he left because the agency prevented him from singing hymns and engaging in religious activities. It’s said he left to protect his faith. His solo album was almost at a CCM level, so it seems pretty certain.”
이마크 모태신앙이고 독실한 개신교인인데 소속사에서 찬송가 못부르고 종교활동 못하게 막아가지고 신앙지킬라고 탈퇴한다는 썰이있음 솔앨도 거의 CCM 수준이었는데 확실한듯 https://t.co/4SsLnNQXM2
— 반올 (@HeungrokCho) April 3, 2026
“This isn’t a post to criticize any religion, but rather a message written after reading Mark’s full letter and from the perspective of someone who was once a devout Christian. If you look at the underlined part of Mark’s letter, it’s clear that he left because he decided to fully dedicate himself to religious activities.
‘Music or fruits, I think I’ve really wanted to find a proper way to bear them in the world and achieve it.’
Even if you try to deny it, there’s no way around it—if we put it in simple terms, it’s like being possessed by a spirit? In Christian terms, it’s about the Holy Spirit coming upon him and going to fulfill his mission. Anyone who has been involved in religion would have sensed that the moment they read that line.
This is definitely because of his religion. If you’ve ever truly believed in a religion, especially Christianity, you can’t deny that comment.
It’s well-known that Mark is a Christian, and everyone knows that. I even emphasized the word ‘religion’ on purpose, saying that he’s deeply immersed in it. I’m just sharing what I felt; is that not allowed?
Now that this letter has been made public, people’s attention will naturally turn to Mark’s religion. If you want to blame someone, blame Mark.”
모 종교를 깔려고 쓴 글이 아니라 마크 편지 전문 읽고 종교(기독교)를 한때 독실하게 믿어봤던 사람으로서 쓴 글임
마크 편지에서 밑줄 친 글 읽어보면 100% 종교적활동에 몸을 귀의하기로 해서 나간거 맞음…“음악 또는 열매 그것을 세상에 어떻게 맺을수 있는지 제대로 찾아서 꼭 이루고… https://t.co/jKDhiapsO8 pic.twitter.com/fOzO5FYNJl
— 아이나 (@aina0660) April 3, 2026
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