NCT member Taeyong has shared a message of support for Mark following his departure from NCT 127, while reflecting on the group’s difficult lineup changes and their upcoming 10th anniversary.
On August 24, NCT 127 held a press conference at SKY31 Convention in Lotte World Tower, Jamsil, Seoul, to celebrate the release of their seventh full-length album 'BLINGY.' The album marks the group’s first comeback in about two years and their first release following changes to the lineup.
NCT 127 has now been reorganized as a seven-member group following Mark's official departure from the group and SM Entertainment on April 8 after nearly a decade with the team. This comes after former member Taeil left in June 2025 following allegations of sexually assaulting an intoxicated woman alongside two acquaintance. He was charged of aggravated rape under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes.
Meanwhile, all seven remaining members (Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, and Haechan) have officially renewed their contracts with SM Entertainment.
During the press conference, leader Taeyong shared his thoughts on the group's 10th anniversary. He confessed, "When we debuted, the image we had of ourselves 10 years later was all of us would still be together," and added:
"Our team has gone through several member changes, and going through those periods was always painful. There were times when it was difficult to adjust."
He continued, "Even so, the remaining seven of us want to repay our fans for the memories and trust we've built over the past 10 years." He added, "Since we're being back together after so long, we've come to trust, lean on, and rely on one another even more," and explained, "This album was made so that we can show an even better side of ourselves as NCT."
Taeyong also took a moment to speak about Mark, saying, "Speaking of him as a fellow member who walked this path with us for 10 years, I personally have a deep respect for Mark." He added:
"I know how hard he worked while going back and forth between the two teams. Now that our paths are taking different directions, I want to respect and support the path he has chosen."
Taeyong also spoke about the contract renewal, stating, "It's definitely something to celebrate. Every members renewed the contracts with the commitment to trust the company with our future direction, both as NCT 127 and NCT as a whole." He promised, "We will continue working hard to deliver great music and performances, and we will show an even stronger version of ourselves as NCT 127."
Meanwhile, 'BLINGY' is NCT 127's seventh full-length album that reflects on their decade-long journey while showcasing their pride, strong unity, and determination to carve out their own path together.
'BLINGY' features nine tracks, led by the title track of the same name, and drops today at 6 PM (KST).
