BoA, and even NCT's Mark... SM's flagship artist's departure sends shockwaves [★FOCUS]

Following singer BoA, who was an artist symbolic of SM Entertainment (hereafter SM), NCT member Mark has also left SM. Attention is focused on the consecutive departures of SM's representative artists.

On January 12, BoA concluded a 25-year partnership with her agency SM Entertainment. At the time, SM stated that it had decided to terminate the exclusive contract with BoA effective December 31, 2025.

SM said, "From BoA's special debut that wrote a new history in Korean popular music to her current status as a No.1 artist and producer, it has been a true honor to share every moment with her." BoA also left a farewell message, saying, "I leave with no regrets, as much as we have given to each other. I am grateful for the time we shared, and I will continue to cheer for the shining SM."

Since debuting in 2000, BoA had been with SM, establishing herself as the company's representative artist and an icon of first-generation K-pop solo female singers. She is credited with playing a major role in SM's growth and global expansion, notably pioneering the Japanese market and achieving remarkable results domestically and abroad.

She continued to exert influence not only as an artist but also within the company. In 2014, BoA was appointed a non-executive director at SM, and later participated as a producer for NCT WISH, contributing to the development of junior artists.

However, BoA suffered from malicious comments and had a difficult time after the 2024 airing of the drama "Marry My Husband." At the time she hinted at retirement, saying, "My contract is until December 31, 2025," drawing attention to her future plans. When her exclusive contract with SM actually ended, BoA's departure—after representing the company for a long time—came as quite a shock.

BoA has now established a one-person agency, BApal Entertainment, and embarked on a new start.

On top of this, the recent news that NCT's core member Mark has also parted ways with SM has drawn even more attention to the successive departures of leading artists.

On the 3rd, SM announced, "After lengthy discussions with Mark about his future activities, we have agreed to terminate the exclusive contract as of April 8." Accordingly, Mark will leave SM and conclude all NCT activities, including NCT 127 and NCT DREAM.

When news of Mark's contract termination and team withdrawal was announced, footage from the recent NCT DREAM solo concert "2026 NCT DREAM TOUR 'THE DREAM SHOW 4 : FUTURE THE DREAM' FINALE" showing the members hugging one another and crying at the final performance was reexamined. Five days later, when Mark's withdrawal was confirmed, fans were left in shock.

In a handwritten letter, Mark expressed his feelings about leaving. He said, "I know this will feel very sudden to everyone. Actually, I have had a dream in my heart since my trainee days, and perhaps even before that. After spending ten years seeing and experiencing the world at its best and going through an incredible journey, I naturally began to ponder what the greatest dream I could pursue would be, and what the greatest tasks and purposes I could have while living as Mark would be. As the ten-year contract period came to an end, I awakened all the senses inside me and, after long consideration, became curious about what the truly complete form of that dream would be, and I wanted to dive into it wholeheartedly. I want to properly find what my music or fruit will be and how to bring it to the world, and I truly want to accomplish that."

Meanwhile, with Mark's departure, NCT 127 has been reorganized into seven members: Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, and Haechan. NCT DREAM has been reorganized into a six-member lineup: Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung.

Reporter Heo Ji-hyeong [email protected]