Former NCT member Mark Lee has issued a direct apology after a photo of him wearing a T-shirt with the Confederate flag sparked backlash from fans, especially in the United States. The statement, released in English through his new label Upper Room, addressed the hurt caused and called the styling choice an oversight.
The controversy arrives just months into Mark’s independent era, after leaving SM Entertainment and NCT, and only weeks after launching Upper Room. For a North America raised idol with a huge global fandom, the incident is becoming an early test of how he handles topics tied to US history and racism.
What happened with Mark Lee’s Confederate flag shirt
In late June, images circulated online showing Mark signing an autograph while wearing a vintage style shirt printed with the Confederate flag. The photo spread quickly across online communities and social media, with international fans pointing out the flag’s association with slavery and white supremacy in the US.
The Confederate emblem was used by states that seceded from the United States in 1861 to preserve slavery. Today it is widely recognized as a symbol linked to racial discrimination and white supremacist movements, which is why many US K-pop fans saw the shirt as more than just a retro graphic.
Backlash intensified because the picture surfaced close to June 19, the Juneteenth holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the US. Some fans also noted that Mark was born in Canada and later lived in the United States, arguing that his North American background made the choice feel especially disappointing.
Inside Mark Lee’s apology and Upper Room’s statement
After criticism grew, Upper Room released an apology on social media on Wednesday. The statement opened by saying, “We would like to extend our sincere apologies for the concern, discomfort and disappointment caused by the vintage T-shirt that appeared in a recently shared photograph.”
The label explained that the garment had been chosen “solely as a vintage wardrobe item,” and that the team only later recognized the “historical significance and sensitivity” of the Confederate symbol. They said they tried to keep the design out of official content, but another image with the flag was shared, reigniting the issue.
Upper Room stressed that neither Mark nor the company supports racism, hate, discrimination or any form of intolerance, stating that they “unequivocally reject” such views. The statement also acknowledged that, “Regardless of intent, we recognize that this matter should have been handled with greater diligence and care,” adding, “We take full responsibility for this oversight.”
- Reviewing wardrobe choices more carefully
- Tightening internal checks before content is released
How fans are reacting and what this means for his solo era
The Mark Lee Confederate flag apology has not ended the conversation. On social media, some US and Black fans say the wording feels like focusing on “discomfort” rather than clearly naming anti-Black racism, and they want a more direct acknowledgment of why the symbol is harmful.
Others criticize the format, arguing that an apology tied to a racist symbol should be a permanent, easily accessible post instead of something that can disappear in story form. There are also calls for a message that feels more personally voiced by Mark, not only by his label using “we.”
At the same time, some listeners appreciate that the issue was addressed quickly and are waiting to see whether his future actions match the promises about better review processes. As Mark continues building Upper Room and steps further into his solo era, fans will be watching for clearer engagement with US racial history, more careful styling, and any follow up statements that go beyond this first apology.