{
  "id": 6531699,
  "title": "Former NCT member Mark Lee starts solo era with independent label Upper Room",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/former-nct-member-mark-lee-starts-solo-era-with-independent-label-6531699",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-10T03:32:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/entertainment/k-pop/20260910/former-nct-member-mark-lee-starts-solo-era-with-independent-label-upper-room"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mark Lee, formerly a key member of the global band NCT, has embarked on a new solo career under his own label, Upper Room. This marks a significant shift from the polished, mainstream pop sound to a more intimate, independent approach. The debut single from this chapter, \"My Friend,\" reveals Lee's departure from maximalist production, favoring a more restrained style instead. The mid-tempo track, inspired by a lingering guitar loop, delves into the complex nature of true love. Lee was responsible for every aspect of the song's creation, from songwriting and composition to arrangement. This makes \"My Friend\" feel more like a personal journal entry, reflecting on the closure of one life chapter and the quiet beginning of another. The accompanying music video, directed by Gus Black, aligns with this ethos. Unlike typical music videos, it avoids digital effects and artificial staging, opting for a raw, real-world aesthetic.",
  "summary": "Mark Lee — the artist and rapper best known as a core member of the global supergroup NCT — released his new single “My Friend” Thursday, marking a pivotal departure from the glossy mechanics of mainstream pop and laying the cornerstone for a new independent chapter. The track serves as his inaugural release under Upper Room, a creative company founded by Lee. Rather than leaning on maximalist…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Former NCT member Mark Lee starts solo era with independent label Upper Room",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/former-nct-member-mark-lee-starts-solo-era-with-independent-label",
        "published": "2026-09-10T03:22:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}