5 reasons why K-pop’s Mark Lee of SuperM and NCT is destined to become a global star
Mark Lee arrived on the K-pop scene in 2013, when he was introduced to the public as part of his company’s pre-debut training team, SM Rookies.
K-pop fans got their first glimpse of Lee, when he performed a rendition of SHINee’s Replay on Disney Korea’s Mickey Mouse Clubhouse with other trainees.
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Lee, who is now 20, is best known as a member of the South Korean boy group NCT and its subunits NCT U and NCT 127, and formerly NCT Dream. The talented star was hand-picked by his label’s founder and CEO, Lee Soo-man, to join the iconic collaborative group SuperM in August 2019, placing him alongside veteran colleagues from SHINee and EXO.
Here’s five reasons we think it’s a matter of time before Lee becomes a star.
1. He is multi talented
Touted as SM Entertainment’s best rapper, Lee writes his own rap lyrics and beats. He is also one of the team’s centres, often featuring in dance breaks. Fans adore his singing voice when he belts out acoustic tunes while strumming the guitar. His teaser for SuperM, featuring a self-composed hard-hitting rap has had over 2 million views.
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2. English is his first language
Born and raised in Canada, English is his native language, which appeals to international fans. Along with Jaehyun and Johnny, the other English-speakers in the team, he often represents the team at more international events. Recently he featured in a collaboration with popular Youtuber, The Korean Englishman.
3. He has the energy of Spider-Man
Like the beloved Marvel hero, Peter Parker, who plays Spider-Man, Lee is charismatic on stage but a goofball away from it. Like any shy, awkward youth, his bumbling nature is endearing. A fan-made compilation video of his “iconic quotes” has over 800,000 views. A personal favourite that made it to the hall of fame – “We are at the tram stop. Are you the tram that stops?”
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4. He is so humble
Unlike many child stars that grow up in the spotlight, Lee is often seen as the hardest working member, even winning a company award for it as acknowledged by his colleagues and company staff.
5. Enormous potential
This is the fourth year into debut for Lee. Having just wrapped up a 13-leg American tour with SuperM and a 45-leg World Tour with NCT 127, we can’t wait to see how much more he has to show.
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SM Entertainment founder Lee Soo-man was so impressed with the 20-year-old that he chose him to join older colleagues from SHINee and EXO in collaborative group SuperM