{
  "id": 5030825,
  "title": "Mark to drop 1st solo project after leaving NCT",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/mark-to-drop-1st-solo-project-after-leaving-nct",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-02T06:32:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/entertainment/k-pop/20260902/mark-to-drop-1st-solo-project-after-leaving-nct"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "Mark, the renowned rapper and singer formerly of K-pop boy group NCT, is set to release his debut solo single, \"My Friend,\" on September 10 at 1 p.m. Korean time, according to a statement from his new agency, Upper Room. This marks the artist's first new release in 17 months and his first public solo appearance since departing NCT 127 and NCT Dream in April. Mark, who debuted in 2016 as part of SM Entertainment's rotational supergroup NCT, quickly became one of the group's most prominent members, appearing in multiple subunits, including NCT 127 and NCT Dream. After nearly a decade with the company, Mark chose not to renew his exclusive contract and instead founded Upper Room, a one-person agency he describes as a \"creative company\" built with long-time collaborators he trusts. He currently serves as a co-chief executive of the company.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yonhap News",
        "title": "Mark to drop 1st solo project after leaving NCT",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/mark-to-drop-1st-solo-project-after-leaving-nct-5032820",
        "published": "2026-09-02T06:00:40.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Mark to drop 1st solo project after leaving NCT",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/mark-to-drop-1st-solo-project-after-leaving-nct-5032249",
        "published": "2026-09-02T06:42:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}