Mark, formerly of NCT, performing at iHeartRadio’s Jingle Ball in Detroit, December 2024.
Scott Legato/Getty Images
Mark Lee, the former NCT member who transitioned into a solo career, is facing public backlash after images surfaced of him wearing a garment featuring a Confederate flag. His management company, Upper Room, has since issued a formal apology regarding the incident.
In a statement shared via Instagram on Tuesday, June 23, the agency addressed the controversy, noting, “We offer our sincere apologies for the discomfort and disappointment caused by the vintage attire seen in a recently published photograph.”
The label explained that while the item was selected for its vintage aesthetic, they failed to account for the offensive historical connotations of the symbol. “Upon realizing the gravity and sensitivity of the imagery on the shirt, we immediately moved to redact it from all official materials. Unfortunately, the image was shared externally before those safeguards were fully implemented,” the statement continued.
Upper Room acknowledged that their oversight caused genuine pain, regardless of their original intent. “We accept full responsibility for this failure in judgment. Upper Room and our artists remain firm in our opposition to racism, hatred, and all forms of discrimination. We are deeply grateful to the fans who flagged this issue, and we are currently overhauling our wardrobe review processes to ensure such a lapse does not recur.”
According to fan reports, the images originated from a promotional event. The Confederate flag is widely condemned by organizations like the Anti-Defamation League as a symbol of white supremacy and hate.
Billboard has reached out to Upper Room for further comment.
Mark Lee established Upper Room following his departure from NCT 127 and NCT Dream in April. While his exit was described as a mutual agreement with his former agency, SM Entertainment, Lee has since focused on his solo trajectory, including the release of his debut solo album, The Firstfruit, which earned critical acclaim as one of the standout K-pop records of 2025.
