Former NCT Member Mark Lee Apologizes for Wearing Confederate Flag T-Shirt: ‘I Deeply Regret That I Was Uneducated’

Mark Lee apologized directly to fans during an Instagram Live for wearing a Confederate flag t-shirt in a leaked photo

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Mark Lee apologized directly to fans during an Instagram Live for wearing a Confederate flag t-shirt in a leaked photo

He acknowledged the pain caused, especially to Black fans, and promised to educate himself and take responsibility

Lee clarified he was unaware of the symbol’s meaning at the time and vowed to reflect inclusivity in his actions

Mark Lee is apologizing directly to fans after wearing a confederate flag t-shirt.

Photos of the former NCT member, 26, wearing a gray and blue shirt with the Confederate flag emblazoned across the chest were shared widely online in June, and the Canadian K-pop star’s record label, Upper Room, issued an apology in a statement at the time. In a recent Instagram Live stream, Lee addressed the controversy directly and apologized to fans.

“I am aware of the pain that it brought to a lot of people, especially to my Black fans, to the Black community,” said Lee. “I am very responsible for it, but I really wanted to directly tell you guys that it really wasn’t my intention with me knowing the meaning of the flag, the historical significance of it, it really shouldn’t have happened. And it really does not reflect who I am as a person.”

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Lee addressed fans feeling “hurt” by his actions and said there are “no excuses” for him wearing the shirt, noting that he’s “taken steps” with his team to ensure “something like that doesn’t happen.”

“It really breaks my heart to think that maybe the trust has been broken, but I promise you that I’ll make it up to you guys with my actions and with my music. I’ll make sure to make it up to you guys if you will allow me to have one more chance. I’ll try my best,” continued the star. “Once again I truly would like to apologize for the pain that that picture has brought to a lot of people, and I promise to educate myself more on that matter as well.”

Lee reflected on feeling “shocked” when fans saw the picture and explained his “entire team” worked to make sure the t-shirt wasn’t visible in “any official content” before the photo “got leaked.”

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“We instantly uploaded an apology as well. But now I really felt like I had to personally take action for this,” he said. “Once again I would like to apologize for bringing so much pain to a lot of people.”

Following the Instagram Live stream, Lee took to his Instagram Stories to “clarify” his comments, according to fan accounts on social media.

“During the Live, I misspoke when I said that l knew the meaning and historical significance of the symbol,” he began. “What I meant to say was that l did not know the meaning or historical significance of the symbol at the time.”

Lee’s statement continued, “I want to be clear: I did not understand what the symbol represented, and neither did my team. There is no excuse for that. l take full responsibility for my lack of awareness, and sincerely regret the hurt and pain this caused, especially to my Black fans.”

“I have always believed in celebrating inclusivity, respecting others, and using my music to bring people together. What happened does not reflect those values or who I am as a person,” he said. “I recognize that not knowing does not lessen the impact. I deeply regret that I was uneducated about the history and meaning behind the symbol, and I am committed to learning, educating myself, and doing better moving forward.”

Lee added, “I am truly sorry to everyone l hurt. I hope my actions going forward can reflect the respect and inclusivity I believe in.”

In June, Upper Room explained Lee’s t-shirt was chosen as a “vintage wardrobe item,” but that “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.”

“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,” said the label at the time, noting that it would strengthen internal review procedures going forward.

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