Former NCT member Mark Lee is under fire after recent photos of the K-pop singer show him wearing a Confederate flag shirt.
His new label, Upper Room, addressed the controversy in a lengthy statement posted to its Instagram Story on Tuesday (June 23).
“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,” read the statement, before explaining that the shirt had been selected for its vintage aesthetic rather than its symbolism.
“The garment was selected solely as a vintage wardrobe item. However, upon recognizing the historical significance and sensitivity associated with the symbol displayed on the T-shirt, we took measures to ensure that it would not be visible in any official content,” the statement continued. “Despite these efforts, the image was subsequently shared externally, resulting in the symbol being visible and causing understandable concern among members of the public.”
The company said they take “full responsibility for this oversight” and acknowledge that the issue “should have been handled with greater caution and care.”
“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,” the company added.
The company also said it would “strengthen” its internal review procedures for wardrobe selections and content approval to avoid future incidents.
“We sincerely apologize to everyone who was hurt, offended, or disappointed by this situation. We remain committed to acting with greater responsibility, awareness, and care moving forward,” Upper Room concluded.
Lee, now 26, made his debut with SM Entertainment in 2016 by joining the K-pop groups NCT U, NCT 127, NCT Dream, and years later SuperM.
In April, he announced his departure from the record label and its groups in a statement shared to his social media. Earlier this month, Lee announced that he founded his own record label, Upper Room.
