Mark Lee Drops 'My Friend' Single 5 Months After Leaving NCT

Mark Lee is stepping firmly into the spotlight as a solo act. Five months after officially parting ways with his longtime agency SM Entertainment and his group NCT, the star is making his return to the music scene. Now promoting as a standalone singer-songwriter, Mark Lee has officially delivered his newest single, titled "My Friend." The fresh release gives fans a mid-tempo, easy-listening sound anchored by a light and breezy guitar loop. Delivering a laid-back, refreshing atmosphere, the track carries a lingering sense of late-summer nostalgia. It sets a distinct tone that feels notably different from the high-energy, heavy production fans grew accustomed to during his former group promotions.

Opening up about his new creative path in a recent interview with Billboard Korea, the artist shared that his upcoming material takes completely unexpected directions and explores brand-new musical styles. He explained that he has gained full personal conviction about the project, feeling confident that these new tracks represent the exact music he ought to be releasing as his present self. This transition into a solo career marks a major turning point for the performer, who spent the last decade building a reputation as one of K-pop’s most hardworking powerhouses. Throughout his career, he accomplished a truly rare feat by pulling off five distinct group debuts, holding down spots in two permanent teams, and taking part in numerous specialized unit projects over the years. That extensive and diverse track record has made him a one-of-a-kind figure in Korean pop history, with a resume that virtually no other artist in the genre has matched. He began the process of shedding his group-focused image by putting out his first solo album, *The Firstfruit*, in 2025, paving the way for his solo evolution.

Five months out from his agency exit, the singer is now focusing on building a sound that feels completely personal. "My Friend" serves as the latest stepping stone in that ongoing journey, offering a clear glimpse into where his music is headed as he navigates life after NCT.