Mark Lee has apologised after photographs showing him wearing a T-shirt displaying the Confederate flag sparked widespread criticism across social media. The images began circulating online earlier this week, prompting debate among fans and drawing attention to the historical significance of the symbol. His agency later issued a public apology acknowledging the controversy.
The statement said the shirt had been selected as a vintage fashion item without recognising the historical sensitivity attached to the Confederate flag. The agency said it understood why the images caused concern and accepted responsibility for the oversight. It also apologised to those who felt hurt or disappointed by the incident.
The Confederate flag is widely associated with the Confederate States during the American Civil War and has long been linked to slavery, racial discrimination and white supremacist movements. Because of that history, the symbol remains highly controversial both in the United States and internationally. Images of the shirt quickly spread beyond Korea, generating criticism from fans around the world.
The agency said it had attempted to ensure the design would not appear in official content after recognising its significance. However, another image showing the shirt was later shared publicly, bringing renewed attention to the issue. The company said it would strengthen its internal review process for wardrobe selection and content approval.
In its statement, the agency said neither Mark Lee nor the company supports racism, discrimination or hate in any form. It added that greater care should have been taken before the photographs were released. The company also thanked those who raised concerns, saying the feedback would help prevent similar incidents in the future.
The controversy comes only weeks after Mark launched his independent label, Upper Room, following his departure from SM Entertainment and the conclusion of his activities with NCT. The new company was established to oversee his future music and creative projects. The apology marks one of its first major public statements since its formation.
Online reaction to the incident has remained mixed. Some fans accepted the explanation that the shirt was chosen without understanding the meaning of the symbol, while others argued that greater cultural awareness is expected from internationally recognised artists. Discussions continued across Korean online communities as well as international fan platforms.
Mark first debuted in 2016 and became known through several NCT units before beginning the next stage of his career as a solo artist under his own label. The latest controversy has placed renewed attention on the responsibilities facing global entertainers whose public appearances are closely followed by audiences from different cultural backgrounds.
