Mark Lee's departure from the K-pop group NCT has generated significant buzz among fans and reignited discussions about the so-called 'seven-member curse.' This phenomenon refers to the tendency of idol groups that start with seven members to experience lineup changes or disbandment as contracts end. Lee announced his exit after dedicating ten years to SM Entertainment, expressing heartfelt gratitude to fans for their support throughout his journey. He emphasized that his decision was made with sincerity and viewed it as a new phase in his career. As NCT Dream returns to a six-member lineup, fans are drawing parallels to other groups that have faced similar changes. While many groups have experienced member turnover, some, like BTS and GOT7, have successfully retained their original lineups. This ongoing trend highlights the challenges K-pop groups face in maintaining stability amid the industry's competitive nature.