By admin 
HangupsMusic.com – New York, Five months after a monumental transition from his decade-long tenure with SM Entertainment and the globally recognized group NCT, Mark Lee has re-emerged on the music scene. This time, he steps forward not as a part of a larger collective, but as the independent singer-songwriter Mark Lee, marking his new chapter with the introspective single, "My Friend." The release signals a profound artistic evolution, moving beyond the well-trodden paths of his K-pop past into a realm defined by personal conviction and an authentic creative voice.
Lee’s journey has been anything but conventional. Having navigated an unprecedented five debuts across multiple units within NCT – including NCT U, NCT 127, and NCT Dream – his career has been a testament to versatility and relentless dedication. He’s arguably one of the few artists in K-pop history to have built such an extensive and diverse resume, solidifying his reputation as a dynamic performer and formidable rapper within the industry’s intricate ecosystem. This intense period of group promotions, characterized by high-octane performances and a demanding schedule, has now given way to a more self-directed artistic pursuit.
Speaking with Billboard Korea, Lee articulated the profound shift in his musical philosophy. "The new tracks I’m working on right now take completely unexpected directions and styles," he revealed, emphasizing a newfound clarity. "But I’ve gained the conviction that this is exactly the music I should be putting out as my present self." This statement encapsulates the essence of his independent venture: a commitment to authenticity and a willingness to explore uncharted creative territories.
"My Friend" itself is a departure from the maximalist sound often associated with K-pop. It’s a mid-tempo offering, delicately anchored by a breezy guitar loop that creates an effortlessly refreshing and laid-back atmosphere. As the lingering warmth of summer begins to wane, the track evokes a subtle sense of nostalgia, inviting listeners into a contemplative space. It’s a sonic embrace, a gentle invitation to connect with a more intimate side of the artist.
The groundwork for Lee’s solo prowess was firmly laid in 2025 with the release of his debut album, The Firstfruit. This critically acclaimed project not only showcased his capabilities as a standalone artist but also resonated deeply with critics, securing the coveted No. 1 spot on Billboard‘s "25 Best K-Pop Albums of 2025: Staff Picks." The Firstfruit served as a powerful declaration of his artistry, proving his ability to captivate audiences and critics alike outside the framework of his previous groups. Now, "My Friend" builds upon that foundation, acting as a crucial bridge to his forthcoming work.
Looking ahead, Lee expresses a clear vision for his future in music. "I want to make music for a long time," he shared, articulating a desire that transcends fleeting trends or competitive pressures. "Being fiercely competitive isn’t necessarily the goal anymore. Instead, I want to do my absolute best to spread a positive influence through both my music and my life." This aspiration signals a mature perspective, prioritizing enduring impact and genuine connection over commercial dominance, a sentiment often echoed by veteran artists seeking deeper meaning in their craft.
The Q&A with Billboard Korea offered further insights into this pivotal phase of his career. When asked about the impact of his new environment, including his shared daily life in New York through vlogs, Lee reflected on the profound changes. "I think my new challenge has changed so many things. Not only the environment, but musically, too — I feel like I’ve taken on a truly new challenge," he stated. This shift has solidified his identity as a singer-songwriter, allowing him to fully embrace a passion for singing he’s harbored since childhood. "I feel like I’m finally expressing that passion in a 360-way now," he remarked, a testament to the liberating effect of creative autonomy.
Navigating the pressure of a comeback as an independent artist, especially after a decade of striving for excellence, was a significant hurdle. Lee admitted to feeling "a lot of worries and pressure" during the preparation, particularly in determining his new musical direction. However, the creative process itself provided the answers. "As I worked on various things and as different tracks began to come to life, these musical results actually gave me the confidence I needed, and it felt like they were resolving my worries already," he explained. Despite the initial uncertainty, he found conviction in the "unexpected directions and styles" of his new material, confident that this was the "music" he needed to release.
Lee views "My Friend" as more than just a single; it’s a symbolic opening. "It’s a song that opens the first door to my new chapter, and I also consider it a taste of my upcoming album," he revealed, hinting at a larger narrative unfolding throughout the year. His ambition remains clear: "My goal for the future is to keep making music and to best express stories that can be a positive influence to the world."
The stylistic contrast between his previous group work and his solo material is palpable. While his NCT promotions delivered "thrilling and exciting" performances, akin to a "dopamine rush" for fans, his current music leans towards a more "comforting and moving" sensibility. Lee, however, believes his new album seamlessly blends both. "The style and music of this album personally gives me both a dopamine rush and feels very moving at the same time," he mused. The most significant shift, he noted, is his vocal expression. Having never challenged himself as a vocalist to this extent, he acknowledges a touch of apprehension, but sees it as an integral part of "completing the present Mark Lee." Through "My Friend," his aim is to convey a sense of "everlasting, greatest love" through a warm, tender emotional landscape.
The lyrics of "My Friend" hold a deeply personal significance, especially for his fanbase, affectionately known as "Markf" – a shorthand for "Mark Friend." Lee elaborated on the meticulous process of crafting the lyrics, which underwent multiple revisions and even a change in theme. "Once I knew that this song should be about the theme of ‘the greatest love,’ the name ‘friend’ became a very special name to me," he shared. This connection solidified the song’s title and its heartfelt dedication, making it a "special track for everyone" who has stood by him.
His independent venture also highlights his expanded role behind the scenes. For "My Friend," Lee is credited for lyrics, composition, and arrangement, underscoring his comprehensive artistic involvement. This hands-on approach imbues the single with a profound personal meaning. He recalled the intensive lyrical development process, including "praying a lot in between making music," and finalizing revisions right up to the final recording, emphasizing the depth of his affection for the track and his entire forthcoming album.
The music video for "My Friend" also reflects his evolving artistic ethos. Shot amidst warm sunshine and green meadows, it deliberately eschews the maximalist, CGI-heavy visuals often seen in K-pop. This minimalist aesthetic, free of AI or VFX effects, aligns with a personal philosophy of "stripping back." Lee explained that while an initial proposal leaned towards a more "serious and heavy mood" with flashy styling, discussions with director Gus Black led to a warmer, more natural tone that truly captured the song’s theme of "love." "Rather than intentionally making ‘stripping back’ the point, I think we just refrained from adding unnecessary ‘coolness’ or ‘power,’ and went with expressions that truly felt more natural," he clarified, affirming this as the style he ultimately wishes to pursue.
His collaboration with Gus Black, known for his analog and cinematic approach, proved to be a harmonious experience. Lee praised Black’s ability to foster synergy, noting how their movements often aligned without explicit direction. "Even without speaking, and without planning every single thing out, there were many times when the camera movements, the Gus’ lead, and I were moving as one," he recounted. The continuous dialogue from their first meeting through the two-day shoot ensured a shared vision for conveying the song’s meaning visually.
Beyond his immediate projects, Lee has expressed a unique ambition: to create "Kids-POP." He first mentioned this at a United Nations Environment Programme event, where he performed his self-composed song "Ready or Not" with just a guitar. He admits the genre is "much harder than I thought" and he’s still defining what it truly entails. However, his motivation is clear. "As I meet these kids, and as I get to know their hearts better and empathize with them, I’ve become more passionate about making music that’ll feel totally directed toward them, and hopefully have an important impact on them," he explained. His dream is to deliver positive messages and set "good and virtuous but also cool" standards, serving as a reference point for children navigating a crucial developmental stage. "Children are the future!" he declared, highlighting the profound responsibility he feels.
The establishment of his creative company, Upper Room, signifies a comprehensive new beginning, not just as an artist but as a CEO. This move out of a major agency’s established system brings both new challenges and opportunities. Lee acknowledges the increased workload, involving more meetings and critical decisions. Yet, the independent environment fosters a unique synergy. During album production season, his team at Upper Room is incredibly considerate, minimizing interruptions so he can focus on the music. "Because it’s an independent production environment, we — Upper Room — are always brainstorming together about everything so that everything can feel even more Mark Lee than ever, yet fresh," he described, emphasizing the collaborative and authentic nature of his new venture.
Reflecting on his past decade and looking towards the future, Lee envisions another decade equally active, but now as the singer-songwriter Mark Lee. He expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to continue evolving. "Over the past 10 years, I think I’ve shown you so many sides of myself, but the fact that I can still show you completely new music and new sides of me makes me nervous, anxious and above all, grateful." His core desire to spread positive influence through his music and life grows stronger. "If those who watch or listen to me can get even a little inspiration, find healing, or even experience growth, I think that’ll be a truly meaningful life to me," he concluded, extending a heartfelt wish for a beautiful day to his audience, inviting them to enjoy his new music and all that is yet to come from this evolving artist.
