Former NCT member Mark Lee is facing criticism after photos of him wearing a vintage T-shirt featuring the Confederate flag spread online.
The images began circulating on June 23, with many fans expressing disappointment and concern over the symbol, which is widely associated with racism and slavery in the United States.

Timeline of Events

  • June 23, 2026

  • Photos of Mark wearing the T-shirt surfaced on social media.
  • Fans quickly pointed out the Confederate flag displayed on the shirt.
  • The images sparked discussions online, with many calling for an explanation.

    • Later on June 23

    • Mark's independent label, Upper Room, released an official statement.
    Photo 1
  • The company apologized for the incident and addressed the concerns raised by fans.

    • What Did Upper Room Say?

    Need to Know
    • After departing from SM Entertainment and leaving NCT, Mark Lee founded Upper Room, an independent label created to manage his solo career and future activities. The company now oversees his music releases, promotions, and public appearances.
    According to the agency:
    • The shirt was selected as a vintage fashion item.
    • Staff members initially did not fully recognize the meaning of the Confederate flag.
    • After realizing the issue, they attempted to hide the symbol in official images.
    • An unedited version of the photo was accidentally released and later spread online.
    • The company accepted responsibility for the mistake.

    Agency's Apology

    Upper Room stated that:
    • Neither the company nor Mark supports racism, discrimination, or hate.
    • They sincerely apologize to those who were hurt by the images.
    • They understand the concerns raised by fans and the public.

    Future Measures

    The agency also announced plans to:
    • Strengthen internal review procedures.
    • Conduct more careful checks on styling and wardrobe choices.
    • Review all photos and content more thoroughly before release.

    Fan Reactions

    The controversy generated significant discussion across social media platforms. While some fans accepted the agency's explanation and apology, others argued that greater awareness should have been exercised before the shirt was ever used.