Just stopping by here because Mark left, and I spent two days crying, and I’m not even joking.
I was broken hearted, but happy at the same time. It was honestly bittersweet.
Because I know that Mark did not leave due to some issues, controversy, or health problems. But because he has done enough, showed enough, and finally, finally choosing himself after the longest time of being overworked. He left at the mere age of 26, which I think is a beautiful age to start a new chapter in life.
We were already suspicious from the start when a 6 day concert was announced. Even more suspicious when the dreamies cried so hard on the last day of the concert. Because they are losing their leader for the 2nd time around.
But at that moment, they didn’t feel like idols. Nct dream didn’t look like a group of performers on stage. They looked like friends, fighting to hold on to each other just a little longer.
And the way nctzens are responding to all of this is honestly so touching. Yes, we were sad. Some are hurting, some feel lost, but more than anything, we were happy. Because no matter how much it hurts, we can’t bring ourselves to resent someone for choosing their own happiness.
I think that’s also because Mark communicated everything so sincerely. His letter felt raw, and genuine. One of the most heartfelt messages I’ve ever read in kpop. And the members were not forced to act like he didn’t exist, like other groups were. They were open, supportive even, with his departure.
It was a proper goodbye. A kind of closure not everyone gets in kpop.
So instead of holding on to the sadness, I choose to be grateful and be genuinely happy for him.
Thank you for your hard work,
NCT’s Mark Lee
NCT 127’s Mark Lee
NCT Dream’s Mark Lee
And NCT U’s Mark Lee
