Mark Lee: The Busiest Man in K-Pop
Photo: SM Entertainment
Some idols chase versatility. Mark Lee lives in it. Born in Toronto and raised across three cities (Toronto, New York, Vancouver), Mark’s story was global before he ever touched a mic. And once he did? It was game over. From group debuts to his long-awaited solo era, Mark’s journey has been a slow burn of growth, hustle, and serious range. Let’s talk about how he went from the most dedicated trainee to one of K-Pop’s most genre-fluid voices.
Roots and Relocation
Mark’s move to South Korea in his early teens was a leap of faith that would eventually turn into superstardom. Trainee life under SM Entertainment is already tough, but add in culture shock and being away from family, and you’ve got a storm. Still, Mark pushed through with tunnel vision. He became “that guy,” the one always in the practice room, writing lyrics between schedules, soaking up everything like a sponge. That foundation of work ethic and self-awareness laid the groundwork for everything that came next.
Debuting Like Nobody’s Business
Mark didn’t just debut once. He debuted four times, and each group showed a different side of him.
NCT U: The Experimental Lab
Mark’s first official debut was with “The 7th Sense,” a track that’s now a classic in the NCT universe. It blended hypnotic R&B with trap beats and experimental vocals. Mark’s rap here was slick, dreamy, and restrained. You could already hear the control. Later NCT U tracks like “BOSS” and “YESTODAY” gave him more space to stretch his flow and experiment lyrically.
NCT 127: The Powerhouse Era
In NCT 127, Mark stepped into a more aggressive sound. Songs like “Cherry Bomb,” “Kick It,” and “Sticker” became signature moments. His verses often act as a turning point in the song, shifting the energy and injecting urgency. The group’s mix of industrial hip-hop and high-drama pop gave Mark room to go harder, and he always delivered. This is also where his songwriting started to show up more.
NCT Dream: The Youthful Core
Mark debuted in Dream when the concept was teen-focused, but stuck around long enough to help evolve the group into a full-fledged vocal force. Mark was active in NCT Dream from 2016 to 2018, then stepped away until April 2020, when the group made a comeback and announced his return. Though he wasn’t in the original music video, he learned the choreography and appeared in updated versions. By May 2021, NCT Dream was officially promoting as seven members again.
SuperM: The Global Launchpad
SuperM was big. Like super big. Performing at Madison Square Garden big. Super, if you will. In this all-star lineup, Mark still stood out. He blended effortlessly into songs like “Jopping” and “One (Monster & Infinity).” His performance style became sharper and more refined. It was less about proving himself and more about owning the moment.
A Closer Look: Mark’s Solo Music
While fans have heard Mark’s voice across dozens of group tracks, his solo work is where he peels back the layers. His pre-album solo drops, “Child” (2022) and “Golden Hour” (2023), hinted at what was coming.
“Child” is raw and vulnerable, centered around feeling misunderstood. No flashy production, just stripped-back guitar, a thoughtful beat, and Mark reflecting on growing up in the public eye. “Golden Hour” is wilder. It leans into chaotic rock-rap energy with clever lines about eggs, celebrity encounters, and mental health. It’s bold and bizarre, and it works.
Then came the full solo moment.
With 13 tracks, The Firstfruit is divided into four chapters named after the cities that raised him: Toronto, New York, Vancouver, and Seoul. Each one sounds different because each one is different.
“Toronto’s Window” opens the album with lo-fi introspection, a soft beat, jazz chords, and diary-style storytelling about identity and childhood. “1999” (the title track) is bright, anthemic, and hopeful, like a summer drive with the windows down. It channels youthful optimism while still sounding grown. “Journey Mercies” gets spiritual, threading gospel elements with Mark’s reflections on pressure, faith, and grace. “Fraktsiya” is one of the most experimental tracks, with fragmented flows, glitchy production, and heavy bass. It’s Mark at his most daring. The album blends rap, alt-R&B, soft rock, gospel, and acoustic balladry. It’s unpredictable but grounded.
What Makes Mark Lee Different?
A lot of idols can perform. A lot can write. A lot can adapt. But not many can do all three across multiple genres and still feel real. Mark’s strength isn’t just in his technical skills. It’s in how much of himself he’s willing to share. From the sharp, punchy delivery on “Kick It” to the spiritual confessions on “Journey Mercies,” Mark’s voice has grown into something that’s no longer just for K-Pop stages. It belongs in headphones, in late-night playlists, and in Spotify Wrapped roundups.
Mark Lee’s discography reads like a music festival lineup. He’s touched so many sounds, collaborated in so many groups, and finally landed in a space where he is the center of the story. One can only imagine where he will go next, but regardless, we have to stay on our toes when it comes to his artistry.
Check Out These Tracks
“Walk” by NCT 127
“OK” by NCT U
“Fraktsiya”
“+82 Pressin’”
“No Manners” by SuperM