Earlier this month, the K-pop industry was shaken by news that Mark Lee would be stepping away from NCT and had also officially parted ways with SM Entertainment. The announcement marked a significant shift in his career, with the agency hinting that updates regarding his future plans would be revealed in the coming days.
Following his departure, Mark was recently spotted at Coachella 2026, where he appeared relaxed and fully embracing his time off. His attendance quickly circulated online, especially as fans recalled his earlier interest in attending major international music festivals.
Amid growing attention on his post-departure life, fans revisited a long-known detail involving NCT DREAM’s friendship rings. Over the years, members had been seen wearing matching rings—originally Cartier designs, later replaced with Boucheron pieces—symbolizing their bond.
This context resurfaced after Mark shared two photos on Bubble from Coachella, including one showing him holding up peace signs. In the images, however, fans noticed he was not wearing the previously associated ring, which immediately sparked speculation on social media.
Some online users interpreted this as a possible sign of distance or disagreement between Mark and other members, leading to discussions across fan communities and entertainment forums.
However, the speculation was quickly met with pushback from fans. Many argued that the claims were based on overanalysis of unrelated details, stressing that accessories like rings should not be used as evidence of personal relationships or internal group dynamics.
Supporters of Mark highlighted that he had previously expressed positive sentiments toward his fellow NCT members and was believed to have left on respectful and amicable terms. They also pointed out that idol styling choices frequently change, especially during transitions between group and individual activities.
Across platforms, fans called for restraint and urged others not to jump to conclusions, emphasizing that no official statements suggest any discord between Mark and the group.
As discussions continue online, Mark Lee’s departure from SM Entertainment and NCT signals the start of a new phase in his career. While speculation surrounding his relationship with former group members persists, the dominant response from the fandom remains supportive.
Sources: Koreaboo