Mark Lee's Label Apologizes for Confederate Flag Shirt Photo
Billboard • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Mark Lee, former NCT member and founder of Upper Room label, faced criticism for wearing a Confederate flag T-shirt in photos from a fan event, a symbol widely recognized for its association with white supremacy.
- Upper Room issued a public apology, stating the shirt was chosen as a vintage item without intent to offend, but acknowledged the historical sensitivity and took responsibility for the oversight.
- The label emphasized its rejection of racism and discrimination, promising to improve internal review processes for wardrobe and content approval to prevent similar incidents.
- The photos were initially posted by Upper Room on social media but were quickly removed following backlash, and Billboard has sought further comment from the label.
- Mark Lee left NCT 127 and NCT DREAM in April under mutual agreement with SM Entertainment and founded Upper Room in June, expressing commitment to his fans and future work.
