After announcing his departure from NCT (엔시티) and SM Entertainment, Mark (마크) has left many wondering about his next moves. Well, the rapper has answered the question, as it appears that the former NCT member has launched his own independent label!
On 4th June 2026 (Thursday), Mark officially introduced Upper Room (어퍼룸), his new creative company established with long-time colleagues. Through this new agency, the idol will release new music and content, expanding his creative world. Here are some facts about Upper Room:
Mark Is The Co-CEO of Upper Room
According to reports, the South Korean corporate registry reveals that Upper Room is operating under the name UPRM Label. Mark, whose real name is Lee Min-hyung (이민형), is also listed as co-chief executive officer, meaning he’s part of the management and talent.
The Meaning Behind The Name
Based on the teasers shared on social media, the company may have gotten the name Upper Room from the Bible, where it denotes a meeting space. As Mark himself is a devout Christian, it’s possible he included his faith in his company.
However, news outlets also noted that the name Upper Room has a deeper meaning. The name represents a place where like-minded people can gather, exchange inspiration and explore new possibilities. It also reflects the label’s intention to support Mark’s music and vision.
The Teaser Videos Didn’t Use Any AI
In preparation for the launch, Upper Room shared several teasers on its social media pages. Notably, the videos, including the announcement film, were created entirely without using any AI-generated imagery.
Instead, every visual in the video was hand-produced to highlight the value of human creativity and respect for craftsmanship in an age of rapidly advancing technology. This move reflects the message and vision behind Upper Room.
While Upper Room is still in its early stages, Mark has a clear vision for the company and his career. For now, the rapper hasn’t shared any comeback plans, but fans are already expressing excitement for new projects. There are also rumours that Mark is preparing for a tour once he releases new music.
For those wondering, Mark previously left NCT and SM Entertainment after his exclusive contract expired. On top of being the lead rapper in NCT 127, the 27-year-old was also the leader of NCT Dream. Are you excited for Upper Room and Mark’s return to music?
Sources: Soompi, Etoday, Chosun
