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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Hallyuwood devider Fans up in arms after ex-NCT member Mark seen wearing Confederate flag shirt

Fans up in arms after ex-NCT member Mark seen wearing Confederate flag shirt

Published Jun 24, 2026 08:29 pm
Former NCT member Mark (right) wearing the shirt with the Confederate flag (Photo from online community)
Former NCT member Mark (right) wearing the shirt with the Confederate flag (Photo from online community)

Former NCT member Mark Lee is facing criticism from fans and netizens after photos surfaced showing him wearing a shirt featuring the Confederate flag, a symbol widely associated with slavery, racism, and white supremacy in the United States.

The controversy erupted after a magician uploaded photos on social media showing Mark wearing a vintage shirt emblazoned with the word “Virginia” and the Confederate flag. The images quickly circulated online, prompting backlash from fans who expressed disappointment and called out the symbol's historical significance.

According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the flag has long been embraced by white supremacist groups and serves as a potent symbol of racism and hate.

“Organizations such as the Sons of Confederate Veterans adopted the flag as a symbol of Southern heritage but the flag also served as a potent symbol of slavery and white supremacy, which has caused it to be very popular among white supremacists in the 20th and 21st centuries,” the ADL said.

Mark, a Korean-Canadian who spent part of his childhood in the United States, departed NCT and SM Entertainment in April before launching his own agency, Upper Room.

As criticism mounted online, Upper Room released a statement apologizing for the incident and acknowledging the concerns raised by fans and the public.

The agency said the shirt had been chosen solely as a vintage fashion item and that they later recognized the sensitivity surrounding the symbol. It added that efforts had been made to prevent the design from appearing in official content, but the image was ultimately shared externally.

“We take full responsibility for this oversight,” Upper Room said. “Upper Room and the artist unequivocally reject and do not tolerate racism, hate, discrimination, or any form of intolerance.”

The agency also pledged to strengthen its internal review procedures for wardrobe selection and content approval to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Despite the apology, the photos continued to spark debate online, with many fans voicing disappointment and urging greater awareness of the historical meaning behind such symbols.

Former NCT member Mark (left) wearing the shirt with the Confederate flag (Photo from online community)
Former NCT member Mark (left) wearing the shirt with the Confederate flag (Photo from online community)

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Mark Lee NCT Mark Confederate flag US history
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