In tumultuous times, Mark Lee's return to Canada was very much needed
The NCT member returned to the country for a show at Toronto's Scotiabank Arena recently with his band, NCT 127
As a journalist, I am often encouraged to compartmentalize and tell stories without showing my true feelings about the subject at hand. But given that we are living in increasingly divided times here in Canada and across the border, there are moments when the news cycle simply gets to you.
Here in Canada, there’s been a recent outpouring of national pride amidst a trade war and threats of annexation triggered by U.S president Donald Trump. At sports games, the American anthem is now getting booed. Canadian consumers are boycotting American-made products and opting to buy Canadian. And for those who work in industries such as auto, steel and agriculture, economic times are even more uncertain given that the U.S. and Canadian trade relationship is so intertwined.
At risk of getting too political, I will just say that I have never had so many American friends checking in with me in recent days. It’s heartwarming to see that our connection together has remained intact despite tumultuous political times. But it’s also reminded me that there are always silver linings when things get overwhelming.
That silver lining came during NCT 127’s recent concert at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena. That’s because it also marked the first time in six years since Mark Lee—professionally known as MARK—returned to his home country of Canada.
MARK was born in Toronto and lived in the city until he was seven. He then moved to New York and Vancouver, before settling in Seoul to achieve his dreams of becoming a K-pop performer. Despite this, Canada has often remained close to his heart.
In 2019, when MARK was last in Canada for NCT 127’s Neo City – The Origin tour, he told SBS PowerFM what it was like to return home. “I was born in Canada. Through this tour I visited Canada after a long time. It was…healing to my heart after a long time.”
This is why NCT' 127’s return to Toronto was an event many felt they could not miss.
Heading into the concert, it was clear fans—or NCTzens—were gearing up to give MARK a grand welcome home. Cupsleeve events were held in his honour. Canadian flags were signed to greet him and his NCT 127 bandmates to the country. And during the show, the group recognized a fan banner that described MARK as “Our Canadian National Treasure.”
The love was also returned right back to the fans the moment MARK stepped on stage.
“My name is Mark Lee and I was born here!” he greeted the crowd during his first ment of the night.
The show was clearly special to MARK, as he and bandmate Doyoung paid homage to their love of Tim Hortons throughout the show. It was made even more meaningful as both MARK’s and Doyoung’s parents travelled to Toronto to see the concert.
“Shout out to my parents who came all the way to Toronto to give birth to me,” MARK said during another part of the show.
MARK has often been regarded as one of the busiest men in K-pop. As a member of NCT (and its fixed sub-units NCT 127 and NCT Dream), people often joke that he can seamlessly fit into any K-pop group because he seems to be everywhere at all at once. But it’s his versatility that has allowed him to get this far. And it’s exactly why his fame has exploded in recent years.
In the days since, I have been interviewing fans of NCT about what MARK represents to Canadians (and that piece will come out soon!). They described him as the ultimate K-pop all-rounder because he can rap, sing, dance and write music. But beyond his musical talents, they are drawn to his humble, hardworking and authentic personality.
Throughout the show, MARK found himself speechless on how to address the crowd, repeating the words, “I’m so happy!” every time the fans started chanting his name.
“I’m just really glad to be standing here on stage as a Canadian!” he said as the show was coming to an end.
As a fellow Asian Canadian, I could not help but feel pride seeing him perform on stage and doing what he loves. MARK is proof of why representation truly matters, and it is encouraging to see a global star repping the maple leaf wherever he goes.
And while this may have not been his intention, seeing him proudly proclaim his Canadian-ness in a crowd of thousands felt cathartic to hear amidst a time of political uncertainty.
I think everyone in the audience needed it that night. I know I did.
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