260607 📰 #MarkLee#마크리
Mark, formerly of the group NCT, has unveiled the blueprint for his solo career. About two months after announcing his departure from NCT and his separation from SM Entertainment last April, he has officially launched his own creative company, Upper Room, signaling the start of a new chapter.
However, as this marks his first major move since leaving the group, there is a sense of both anticipation and concern. In particular, with various interpretations circulating regarding the name of his agency and the teaser content, all eyes are on how Mark will prove his decision through his future work.
On the 3rd, Mark opened an official social media account under the name “uprmlable” and released a related video. He also shared the account on his personal social media, signaling a fresh start. The newly created account is Upper Room’s official social media, and the establishment of his new agency has been official as it was recently announced that Mark has completed business registration as “Upper Room Co., Ltd.” with himself listed as co-CEO.
This drew even more attention as it was the first concrete plan revealed since his departure from NCT in April. At the time, Mark shocked the fans as he ended his exclusive contract with SM Entertainment and wrapped up all group activities under NCT. He explained the reason for his new choice, saying, “I naturally began to think about what the best dream I could have, and what the best work and purpose could be for me while living as Mark.” At the time, some speculated that Mark, who holds Canadian citizenship, might shift his activities to focus on the North American market. However, with his own establishing company and preparing new activities based in Korea, it appears his next steps will be quite different from expectations. In particular, as Upper Room presents itself as a creative company rather than basic independent label, curiosity about the creative results he will showcase is growing.
However, unexpected controversy followed immediately upon the launch. After the agency’s name was revealed, some pointed out that “Upper Room” refers in the Bible to the upper room in Jerusalem where Jesus shared the Last Supper with his disciples and where the Holy Spirit descended after the Resurrection. Fans' opinions are also mixed as interpretations emerged that Mark is known to be a devout Christian, may have embedded religious meaning in the agency’s name and announcement film.
In response, the Upper Room side explained, "It goes beyond a simple physical space, it embodies a place where like-minded people gather to share thoughts and ideas and discover new possibilities." They also stated that the announcement film, inspired by the era of metal movable type, was meant to express the value of creation and respect for creators, thereby putting an end to various speculations.
Nevertheless, opinions on Mark’s independent path remain divided. As he embarks on his solo career after leaving the global brand NCT, there are high expectations but also concerns. In the end, what matters is the work he delivers. As he made the difficult decision to leave a group he spent a long time through thick and thin with, the music and content he will present in the future will likely determine how persuasive that choice will be in future evaluations. The attention is focused on what story Mark will tell as he writes his own chapter as he steps out of the familiar confines and stand a new starting line.
🔗https://t.co/3XUS4wsaGv
We're back from a long break with a new set of management. We hope you're still with us as we have a lot of things preparing for you. We're also reopening our platforms to support Mark Lee's activities as a solo artist under his own label.
We can't wait to take this new journey with Mark Lee as he takes his own path, and with PH Markfs on our side.
mark lee left the agency to chase his dreams, spent about two months in hiatus, then launched his own label and became its ceo at the age of 27. and his very first performance stage will be in Azerbaijan as part of the opening ceremony for World Environment Day. no one is doing it like him 😭😭😭
unep ig story update with #marklee
“…sometimes it's really not about if you are ready or if you are not ready, but it's just are you willing to really care, are you willing to speak up for something that we believe in.”
Mark Lee will be attending the opening ceremony of the World Environment Day in Baku, Azerbaijan today, June 5 (3PM PHT)!
He will be performing his unreleased song, "Ready or Not", to close out the ceremony. This will be his first official stage performance since the establishment of Upper Room.
🔗https://t.co/3FCAz1eKP5
#MarkLee #마크리
onyourm__ark ig story update
“if you want to see a new mark lee channel…🫢”
Subscribe and support Mark on Upper Room Label’s official youtube channel!!
🔗 https://t.co/AbetnNcPbP
made one of the biggest decisions of his life at the peak of his career, choosing to follow his dreams and trust his own pace. mark lee, a ceo at 26…i’m just beyond proud of him 🥹❤️