Mark Lee, who only left his well-known K-pop boy group NCT in April to launch a solo career at his newly founded label, Upper Room, is facing intense controversy over his recent fashion choices.
His new label posted a couple of photos of Lee with someone else on its official Instagram account, and in the photos, the idol was wearing a raglan T-shirt with the Confederate flag emblazoned on the front and "Virginia" written on one of the arms.
While the photos were quickly deleted following stern backlash from fans, many shared them on other social media, like Reddit, sparking debate. Soon after the post was deleted, the Upper Room account shared an apology on its Instagram Stories addressing the controversy.
It read, "We would like to extend our sincere apologies for the concern, discomfort, and disappointment caused by the vintage T-shirt that appeared in a recently shared photograph." The statement went on, claiming that the shirt was originally chosen simply as a "vintage wardrobe item."
The company said that they were quickly made aware of the "historical significance and sensitivity associated with the symbol displayed on the T-shirt," and tried to remove it from any future official photos and videos released. Upper Room then claimed that the photo was "shared externally," leading to the controversy.
Going on, the company declared that "Upper Room and the artist unequivocally reject and do not tolerate racism, hate, discrimination, or any form of intolerance. We understand the seriousness of the concerns that have been raised and deeply regret the distress this incident has caused."
They then thanked people who highlighted the issue and brought it to their attention and stated that they would make their "internal review procedures" stronger when it comes to wardrobe and content choices to avoid a similar situation in the future.
View this post on InstagramMany fans called out Lee for ever wearing the shirt in the first place, arguing that he should've known better. Lee was born in Canada and grew up there and in the U.S. until he moved to South Korea at the age of 12.
Fans on Reddit quickly shared their thoughts, with comments on one thread including, "OK he DEFINITELY knows better," "was I shocked yes, Was I surpised No," and "No, sorry, this is not on the stylists. You can't tell me Mark is that ignorant of what's on the t-shirt."
Related: Country Music’s Most Storied Stage Could Soon Have a New Owner
Others took issue with the fact that the apology was written under the label's name instead of Lee's, while he is the founder of the company, such as one person who wrote on another thread, "Isn’t he the CEO/founder. Just make the apology in your own name for your own actions…"
This is Lee's first major controversy since leaving NCT earlier this year and founding his own music label. He previously released a solo album during his time under the label SM called The Firstfruit in 2025, and as of writing, he hasn't released any music under Upper Room yet. It remains to be seen if this situation has further ramifications on his career going forward.
Related: ’80s Rock Icon Shares the 'Brutal Truth' About Aging Rock Legends Who Keep Taking the Stage
Hence then, the article about k pop idol s controversial shirt sparks fan backlash as new label issues apology was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( K-Pop Idol’s Controversial Shirt Sparks Fan Backlash as New Label Issues Apology )
Also on site :
- Brutal killing of French teen by ‘migrant gang’ sparks national outrage (GRAPHIC FOOTAGE)
- Why This Midwestern Icon Is the Ultimate Cultural Weekend Escape Right Now
- 1969 Summer Anthem, Named One of the Greatest Songs of All Time, Blew up After Woodstock