NCT's Mark Sparks Controversy Right After Leaving SM... Official Apology Over Confederate Flag T-Shirt Linked to 'Support for Slavery' [SC Issue]

[Sportschosun Baek Ji-eun] Mark Lee, formerly of NCT, has bowed his head over a far-right controversy.

His agency, Upper Room, said on the 23rd, "We sincerely apologize for causing concern, discomfort and disappointment to many people with the vintage T-shirt seen in the recently released photo."

It explained, "The outfit was chosen simply because it was vintage. After recognizing the historical meaning and sensitivity of the symbol printed on the shirt, we took steps to keep it out of official content, but the image was shared externally and the symbol was exposed."

The agency added, "Regardless of intent, we should have been far more careful. We fully accept responsibility for this mistake. Upper Room and the artist firmly oppose racism, hate, discrimination, and any form of exclusion or intolerance. We deeply apologize for the hurt and pain this has caused many people."

Upper Room also promised, "We will strengthen our internal review process for wardrobe selection and content approval in light of this incident. We are taking the concerns and feedback from the community seriously, and we will act with greater responsibility, awareness and caution going forward."

Earlier, controversy erupted after photos of Mark Lee wearing a T-shirt featuring the Confederate flag were made public.

The Confederate States of America was formed by 11 southern U.S. states that seceded from the Union in 1861 to preserve slavery. In other words, the Confederate flag is a symbol of white supremacy and racism.

Mark Lee debuted with NCT in 2016 and promoted as a member of NCT127 and NCT Dream. However, after his exclusive contract with SM Entertainment ended in April, he left the group, founded the one-man agency Upper Room, and has been active there.

Baek Ji-eun, Sportschosun