NCT's Mark Calls Out SM Entertainment For Overworking Him In New Single, 'Fraktsiya'

NCT's Mark Lee is the K-pop industry's most notorious wunderkind. As a member of all three NCT subunits -- U, Dream, and 127 -- everyone knows that the idol possesses not just talent and charm but an unparalleled work ethic.

In a rare (and deserved) moment of candidness, the rapper, in the lead single "Fraktsiya ft. Lee Young Ji" for his solo album, due for release in February 2025, he bit back at his label, SM Entertainment, for overworking him.

Staggered between bravado-packed verses flexing everything from his achievements to his looks to his lackadaisical and whimsical attitude, Mark threw a punch at SM seemingly from left field, as one known to never complain.

"Yeah, how many schedules in a day? (Baby, listen)

My airline miles fling honeymoon out of space

SM got to wait

Phone is buzzing, uh, photoshoot with Young Ji

I said, wait

Name somebody who can juggle three teams

Still come up with the best solo album

At the same time, with no rest time"

While the NCT member has rarely spoken out about SM's treatment towards him, the cipher paints a clear picture of his neverending travel itineraries (stacking up enough miles to take him to the moon, evidently) and jam-packed schedules. As one of two NCT members who dominate in all three subunits (his groupmate Haechan being the second), it feels like Mark has earned a rightful place to voice concerns that's probably been building up for years.

The track has sparked an uproar within the NCT fandom, causing speculations over why SM Entertainment gave it the green light, despite the vicious call-out. A few pointed out that the label likely had no choice but to let the criticism slide, seeing how the idol has built himself up to be such a valuable asset to the company.

The singer has released two singles off the album thus far, including the single "200". In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Mark confessed that he's devoting all of his energy to the solo endeavor.

"I am putting every ounce of my soul into this album, no joke," he said.

"There isn't a day that goes by when I'm not working on this album or not thinking about this album. It's going to be an album that I'm not going to have any regrets on, but I'm just really, really working hard on it," he added.