Mark Lee. Photo from Mark's Instagram account
The agency of Mark Lee has issued an apology after the K-pop star faced criticism for wearing a T-shirt featuring the United States Confederate flag, a symbol widely associated with racism and slavery.
"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," label Upper Room said late Tuesday in a statement posted on its Instagram Stories.
The controversy emerged after photos of the singer wearing the shirt circulated on social media.
Upper Room explained that the shirt "was selected solely as a vintage wardrobe item."
"However, upon recognizing the historical significance and sensitivity associated with the symbol displayed on the T-shirt, we took measures to ensure that it would not be visible in any official content," it said.
Screenshot from Upper Room's Instagram Stories
"Despite these efforts, the image was subsequently shared externally, resulting in the symbol being visible and causing understandable concern among members of the public."
Upper Room said it took "full responsibility for this oversight."
"Upper Room and the artist unequivocally reject and do not tolerate racism, hate, discrimination, or any form of intolerance," the agency stressed.
"We understand the seriousness of the concerns that have been raised and deeply regret the distress this incident has caused," it added.
Upper Room said it would also strengthen review procedures for wardrobe selection to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Confederate flag has been adopted by white supremacist groups in the United States and elsewhere, where it has come to be widely associated with slavery and white supremacy, according to the anti-hate organization Anti-Defamation League.
This is not the first instance of a K-pop artist being involved in controversy over a symbol printed on a shirt. In 2023, Chaeyoung of girl group TWICE issued an apology after wearing a shirt featuring a tilted swastika, a symbol associated with the Nazi party in Germany.
The Canadian-born Mark debuted in 2016 as a member of NCT under major K-pop label SM Entertainment, which he left in April. Earlier this month, he launched his own label Upper Room.