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Former NCT member Mark Lee launches independent label Upper Room
🇸🇬 Singapore /Culture & Society

Former NCT member Mark Lee launches independent label Upper Room

From CNA · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Former NCT member Mark Lee has launched his own independent label, Upper Room, two months after his departure from the K-pop group.
  • The label, co-founded with colleagues, aims to produce content integrating music, video, visual art, and performance, described as a space for like-minded individuals to share ideas.
  • Lee has also launched a new YouTube channel, sharing a "Cinematic Prologue" video, and his fans have expressed strong support and pride in his new venture.

Mark Lee, formerly of the K-pop group NCT, is embarking on a new chapter with the launch of his own independent label, Upper Room. The announcement follows his departure from NCT and its subunits, NCT 127 and NCT Dream, after his 10-year exclusive contract with SM Entertainment concluded in April 2026.

If you want to see a new Mark Lee channel…

— Mark LeeCaption for his new YouTube channel.

Lee will serve as co-CEO of Upper Room, a venture he founded with close colleagues. The label is described as a platform for individuals with shared visions to collaborate and explore new creative possibilities. Its mission is to produce content that seamlessly blends music with visual art, video, and performance, fostering a unique artistic ecosystem.

Alongside the label's launch, Lee has introduced a new YouTube channel, sharing an initial video titled "Cinematic Prologue." The video features cinematic clips and concludes with a message in Lee's voice: "Songs for the future, cities of visions, a room to start, Upper Room." The label's name itself carries biblical significance, referencing the site of the Last Supper, and aligns with Lee's known devout Christian faith.

Songs for the future, cities of visions, a room to start, Upper Room.

— Mark LeeFrom the "Cinematic Prologue" video on his new YouTube channel.

Fans have enthusiastically welcomed Lee's new endeavor, flooding social media with messages of support. Comments on his Instagram post express joy at his return and pride in his entrepreneurial spirit, with one fan noting, "Seeing Mark step up as a founder and CEO makes me so incredibly proud."

Miss you so much, thank you for coming back

— FanComment on Mark Lee's Instagram post announcing his new label.

In a handwritten letter to fans following his exit from NCT, Lee stated his desire to "dive into a more concrete version of myself." His new venture with Upper Room appears to be a significant step in that direction, allowing him to pursue his artistic vision on his own terms.

Seeing Mark step up as a founder and CEO makes me so incredibly proud. The future of Upper Room Inc. looks so bright and I genuinely can't wait to see your music journey unfold!

— FanComment on Mark Lee's Instagram post.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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