Ex-NCT member Mark Lee apologized to fans publicly on August 20, 2026, approximately two months after photos showed him wearing a shirt featuring the Confederate flag. During an Instagram Live, the 26-year-old former NCT artist addressed his Black fans and the wider Black community. He acknowledged that the shirt caused pain and said wearing it did not represent his personal beliefs or values.
Former NCT member Mark Lee was spotted wearing a confederate flag t-shirt. pic.twitter.com/WP92OQBeRW
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) June 23, 2026
“Regarding the t-shirt with the Confederate flag on it; I am aware of the pain that it brought to a lot of people,” he revealed. “And especially to my Black fans, to the Black community. I know that I should have, I am very responsible for them. I just really wanted to directly tell you guys that it really wasn’t my intention with me knowing the meaning of the flag, the historical significance of it. It really shouldn’t have happened. And it really does not reflect who I am as a person.”
The controversy began on June 23, 2026, when the Korean-Canadian performer was photographed wearing the vintage shirt. The shit included the word “Virginia” on one sleeve and pictures of the moment began circulating online. Fans criticized the choice because of the flag’s historical connection to slavery, racism, and white supremacy in the United States. However, Mark said he understood that the incident may have damaged the trust some fans had in him and promised to show improvement through his actions and music.
“But I promise you that I’ll make it up to you guys. Just with my actions and with my music, I’ll make sure to make it up to you guys. If you will allow me to have one more chance.”
Upper Room, the label Mark self-founded after leaving SM Entertainment and NCT in June 2026, issued an apology a day after the incident, on June 24, 2026. The company said the shirt had been selected only as a vintage wardrobe item and was removed from official content after its meaning was recognized. Upper Room also promised stronger internal reviews and rejected racism and discrimination.
mark lee finally speaking up about the t shirt incident pic.twitter.com/Ohc7ShcwWs
— n (@yu444ta) August 21, 2026
Following his recent apology on Instagram Live, the artist shared a follow-up post, correcting what he had said on stream. He seemingly confirmed to know the flag’s meaning, but his newer post clarified that he misspoke and that he did not know the meaning of the symbol at that moment.
