Mark Lee is an idol that very few in the K-Pop industry do not know of. Debuting at the age of 16 under SM Entertainment, the now-22-year-old has already left an impressive mark on the music scene. You will often hear among fans how Mark may be one of the busiest idols out there since he has debuted four times (NCT, NCT 127, NCT Dream, and SuperM), often as one of the members at the front. 

Now, as 2022 enters its second month, Mark is kicking off a new project from SM with his self-composed song "Child," released through SM STATION. This new project is called NCT LAB, which will, according to SM, “archive NCT's various music activities, and will continue to showcase NCT's colorful music.” NCT LAB will include solo, unit, and self-composed songs. 

Many consider NCT's sound to be “noise,” filled with different instrumentals and fast-paced tracks. With "Child," Mark strays away from this image. "Child" is an emotional piece. The song starts somber, with only an electric guitar and Mark's soft vocals before the bass kicks in and more synth beats are introduced. The music video further carries this solemn feeling, particularly in the several scenes of Mark running away from a group that chases him. Between singing and rap verses, Mark delivers a moving anthem dedicated to his younger self. 

"Child” serves as a reminder that Mark is, in fact, still a child; one who has spent his pre-teen, teen, and now young adult years in front of the camera. With straightforward lyrics, "I'm a child / I can't be the person you want," Mark is reminding listeners of this fact. The lyrics also address the pressure on the young artist's shoulders, one that very few can relate to and, in all honesty, is unimaginable for any person to take on. One line that has stuck out to fans (and us) drives this point home by saying, "Would there be anyone who can relate? / Can someone understand me just for now?" It's a song filled with deep and meaningful lyrics that listeners can relate to.

Not only has Mark's "Child" set up a wonderful start to the NCT LAB, but it is also another showcase of Mark's immense talent. We are seeing a deeper side of Mark Lee, and it's one that we can only hope he continues to explore further into his career.