The K-pop industry is grappling with a significant shift in the landscape of one of its most complex groups following the announcement on April 3 that Mark would depart from both NCT and SM Entertainment. The news, which came as a surprise to the global fanbase, has triggered a wave of instability and speculation regarding the future of the remaining members.
Even as Mark addressed his exit through personal letters shared on his social media accounts, the departure has opened a Pandora’s box of anxiety for fans. Central to this unrest is a viral series of posts detailing alleged NCT members’ contract expiration dates, which suggest that a large portion of the group may be approaching the conclude of their tenure with the agency throughout 2026.
The tension was amplified by “insider” claims that preceded the official announcement. A now-deleted post claiming to have internal knowledge of the group’s roster had correctly predicted Mark’s exit, lending an air of credibility to subsequent leaks regarding other members. This has left the community questioning whether Mark’s departure is an isolated event or the first domino to fall in a larger organizational restructuring.
The Timeline of Uncertainty
The anxiety currently permeating the fandom is rooted in the standard operating procedures of SM Entertainment. Mark’s tenure with the company spanned 10 years, a duration that aligns with the typical long-term contracts utilized by the agency for its flagship artists.
Following the confirmation of Mark’s exit, a detailed list began circulating across social media platforms, claiming to pinpoint exactly when other members’ contracts expire. These dates have become a focal point for fans attempting to calculate the group’s remaining lifespan.
| Expiration Month | Members Listed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | Johnny | – |
| April | Ten, Mark | Mark confirmed departure |
| July | Yuta, Winwin, Haechan | – |
| August | Renjun, Jeno, Jaemin, Chenle, Jisung | – |
| October | Jaehyun, Doyoung | Includes military extensions |
The clustering of dates in July and August is particularly concerning for supporters, as it suggests that nearly half of the group’s roster could face a decision regarding their future in a single two-month window.
Debate Over Contract Lengths and Military Service
Beyond the dates themselves, the discourse has shifted toward the ethics of K-pop contract structures. The 10-year commitment, combined with extensions designed to cover mandatory military service in South Korea, has drawn sharp criticism from fans and industry observers alike.
For members like Jaehyun and Doyoung, the alleged October expiration includes a service period of one year and six months. This practice of extending contracts to account for enlistment is often viewed as a way for agencies to maintain control over an artist’s peak earning years, even when they are unable to perform.
sm is actually demonic for the 10 year plus extended contracts for military enlistment… your downfall is soon https://t.co/r76WWfhEdX
— Dag (@mooncloud03) April 3, 2026
Impact on Group Dynamics and Fan Sentiment
Mark was not only a central figure in NCT but a bridge between its various subunits, making his departure a symbolic blow to the group’s cohesion. The fear is that his exit provides a blueprint for others to follow, especially if the internal environment at the agency has become untenable.
Social media reactions have ranged from disbelief to a sense of inevitable decline. Many fans are now bracing for the possibility that the group may not survive the year in its current form.
I think there’s a quality 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
While the listed NCT members’ contract expiration dates remain unconfirmed by SM Entertainment, the psychological impact on the fandom is tangible. The intersection of a high-profile departure and a viral “leak” has created a climate of uncertainty that the agency has yet to fully address.
The industry continues to watch closely as the July and August windows approach. The next critical checkpoint will be the official statements—or lack thereof—from the members listed for July expiration, as their decisions will likely determine whether NCT can maintain its current structure or if the group is entering a period of permanent fragmentation.
We wish to hear from you. Do you believe long-term contracts in K-pop are still sustainable for artists in the modern era? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
