K-pop idol Mark, formerly a member of the popular group NCT, has issued a public apology following the online circulation of photos depicting him wearing a shirt adorned with the Confederate flag. This symbol is widely recognized for its association with white supremacy and racial oppression in the United States.
On Wednesday, Upper Room, Mark’s recently established creative agency, released an official statement via social media. The agency conveyed its sincere apologies to fans who expressed hurt and disappointment over the incident.
“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 English-language statement read.
The controversy ignited after images of the singer in the controversial T-shirt spread rapidly across various online communities and social media platforms. The Confederate flag, originally used by the Confederate States during the American Civil War, carries profound historical weight and is broadly viewed as a potent symbol of slavery, systemic racial discrimination, and white supremacist ideologies.
Upper Room clarified that the garment was initially selected “solely as a vintage wardrobe item.” However, the agency acknowledged its subsequent realization of the profound historical significance and sensitivity linked to the symbol on the shirt. While efforts were reportedly made to prevent the design from appearing in official content, another image featuring the symbol was later shared, leading to widespread online criticism and concern.
The company emphatically stressed that neither Mark nor Upper Room endorses racism, hate, discrimination, or any form of intolerance, reaffirming their commitment against such ideologies.
“Regardless of intent, we recognize that this matter should have been handled with greater diligence and care,” the statement continued, taking “full responsibility for this oversight.”
Upper Room also extended gratitude to those who voiced their concerns. The agency pledged to bolster its internal review processes concerning wardrobe selection and content approval, aiming to prevent any similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Mark made his debut as an NCT member in 2016, actively participating in several successful subunits including NCT 127, NCT Dream, and NCT U. In April, he departed from SM Entertainment and consequently concluded all his NCT-related activities. He officially launched his independent creative company, Upper Room, in early June.
