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Former NCT Star Mark Lee Apologizes for Confederate T-Shirt

6/25/2026

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Summary

Mark Lee Apologizes

Mark Lee, former NCT member, apologized on June 23 after photos showed him in a Confederate-flag T-shirt.
Upper Room, Lee’s label, posted an Instagram Story the same day apologizing for the shirt’s discomfort.
The label said the shirt was selected only as a vintage item, later recognized its sensitivity, and pledged tighter wardrobe review.
Fans expressed disappointment and the issue spread on social media, including X account Pop Crave.

Summary

Mark Lee Controversy

Mark Lee left SM Entertainment in April 2026 and launched his solo label Upper Room in early June 2026.
A T-shirt image posted to an Upper Room Instagram Story at a café fan event on June 23 2026 was later removed, prompting netizens to question cultural awareness for artists using historically charged symbols in North America.
Upper Room is Lee’s first solo venture after his work with NCT U, NCT 127, NCT Dream and SuperM.

History

Historical Context

In 2000 Gov. Jim Hodges signed Heritage Act, attaching the Confederate flag to the dome and requiring a vote to change it. After the June 2015 Charleston church shooting, Gov. Nikki Haley removed the flag—its battle emblem made up about 21 % of design—over 1.5 million petition signatures. Mark Lee’s 2026 Instagram post wearing a Confederate-flag T-shirt drew criticism and apologies from Upper Room and SM Entertainment.

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Mark Lee Apologizes

Mark Lee, former NCT member, apologized on June 23 after photos showed him in a Confederate-flag T-shirt.
Upper Room, Lee’s label, posted an Instagram Story the same day apologizing for the shirt’s discomfort.
The label said the shirt was selected only as a vintage item, later recognized its sensitivity, and pledged tighter wardrobe review.
Fans expressed disappointment and the issue spread on social media, including X account Pop Crave.

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