Mark Lee is one of the busiest idols in the industry, constantly pushing boundaries in the K-pop scene. Releasing album after album for the NCT brand, he’s been dubbed a ‘pro-debuter.’ Beyond his work with NCT, Mark is also a member of SM Entertainment’s super-group, SuperM, where his talent continues to captivate global audiences.

His influence extends beyond music, as he’s also been chosen as the face of renowned brands like Polo Ralph Lauren and Tim Hortons, embodying charisma and style perfect for his character.

Hence, for markfs, czennies, casual listeners, and even non-fans..

This debut album is expected to be much more than a typical listening experience—it’s a trip down memory lane, revisiting each significant moment in Mark’s life.

So, sit back, relax, and delve into The Firstfruit of Mark’s nine-year idol journey.

Loosely divided into sections inspired by the four cities Mark has called home—Toronto, New York City, Vancouver, and Seoul—The Firstfruit offers an intimate glimpse into his personal story up until his 2025 release. Drawing inspiration from the biblical tradition of offering the first and best of one’s harvest to God, Mark uses 13 deeply personal tracks to honor the cornerstone blessings in his life—his parents, his unwavering faith, and his self-belief.

Each track serves as a chapter, showcasing the trials, triumphs, and transformations that have shaped him into the artist and individual he is today. With faith woven deeply into its core, this is more than music—it’s a heartfelt autobiography and a tribute to the foundations that ground him.

The album begins with the Toronto Chapter, introduced by the opening track, Toronto’s Window. This song serves as a heartfelt narration of his childhood in Toronto, beautifully layered with acoustic guitar and the ambient sounds of children at play. The lyrics reflect his gratitude for his parents’ guidance and the foundational values they instilled in him.

“Looking back to Toronto like a window / Ever since I was born / My mom raised me like an angel / My dad taught me how to fight devils.”

The groovy title track, 1999, is both a celebration of Mark’s birth year and the start of his journey. Seamlessly blending orchestral arrangements, airy falsetto vocals, and an infectious beat, the song, co-produced with Dress, pays tribute to his roots while exploring profound themes of faith and self-discovery.

The New York Chapter opens with Flight to NYC, an atmospheric intro track that embodies the emotions of Mark’s journey from Toronto to New York. The song combines airplane ambient sounds, ethereal and disorienting beats, and whispered narration, immersing listeners in a surreal, in-transit experience.

Mark’s humility is one of his most defining traits, so when he expresses self-confidence through his words, melodies, or verses, it resonates deeply, carrying an authentic and inspiring quality that sets him apart. This is highly seen in his two tracks, Righteous (“Two bands that I represent / One time for the main event.”) and Fraktsiya (“Name somebody who can juggle three teams / Still come up with the best solo album / At the same time with no rest time.”)

The journey then moves to the Vancouver Chapter, introduced by Raincouver. This bouncy yet soft track reflects on Mark’s time in Vancouver, blending a gentle melody with introspective lyrics. The song beautifully evokes the bittersweet nostalgia of his childhood while capturing the sacrifices he made in pursuit of his dreams.

A track that delves into self-doubt, insecurity, and the struggle to let go of a relationship, Loser is built around a delicate acoustic guitar. The song captures a sense of romantic bitterness through Mark’s controlled vocals and piercing lyrics. Meanwhile, Watching TV, featuring K-R&B icon Crush, shines through its sparse arrangement of piano, soft vocals, and a gentle beat. The track captures the joy of life’s simple pleasures—watching TV.

The Seoul Chapter opens with +82 Pressin’ and 200, retaining their impact despite being released ahead of the album. +82 Pressin’ is a much-anticipated collaboration with Haechan (he only bandmate of Mark’s who is in the same two groups as he is) that pays tribute to Mark’s deep ties to Seoul and his Korean heritage.

Meanwhile, 200 stands out with its vibrant blend of rock-infused guitars, fast-paced melodic vocals, and a hint of bedroom pop-inspired beats, skillfully balancing heartfelt warmth with sharp, thoughtful lyricism.

Shifting to a deeply personal tone, Journey Mercies is a heartfelt, reflective track that serves as a tribute to the people and experiences that have shaped Mark’s journey. Its loose, conversational phrasing combined with his tender falsetto creates an intimate, letter-like quality—raw, unfiltered, and bittersweet in its sincerity. The uplifting melody underscores the gratitude and emotional depth woven into its lyrics.

Mom’s Interlude is a profoundly personal piece, showcasing a tender recorded conversation between Mark and his mother, beautifully underscored by her gentle piano playing in the background. In this heartfelt exchange, they discuss the faith-inspired message of the album, her gratitude for his decision, and how it feels like the “firstfruit” of his journey. The interlude ends on a sweet, grounding note, with her casually asking, “What did you have for lunch today?”

The concluding track, Too Much, showcases Mark’s most candid self, openly sharing his faith with profound sincerity. Rooted in gratitude, the lyrics serve as a heartfelt epilogue to his journey, offering a natural and genuine thank-you note to his supporters and the path that brought him here.

After nearly a decade of piecing together the fragments of himself, Mark has created an autobiographical masterpiece with The Firstfruit. In a genre where K-pop often risks sacrificing authenticity for polished veneers, the NCT star defies convention by baring his soul. This album is a portrait of Mark in his entirety—unfiltered, honest, and whole.