SEOUL \u2013 Korean-Canadian singer Mark, formerly of K-pop boy band NCT, apologised after photos surfaced online showing him wearing a shirt featuring the Confederate flag, a symbol associated with white supremacy in the United States.<\/p>\n
The 26-year-old\u2019s newly established agency Upper Room released a statement on social media late on June 23, apologising to fans who may have felt hurt or disappointed by the incident.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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,\u201d the agency said in a statement written in English.<\/p>\n
The controversy emerged after photos of Mark wearing a T-shirt bearing the Confederate flag circulated across online communities and social media. The flag, which was used by the Confederate States during the American Civil War (1861-865), is widely regarded as a symbol linked to slavery, racial discrimination and white supremacist movements.<\/p>\n
Upper Room said the garment had been selected \u201csolely as a vintage wardrobe item\u201d and that the company later recognised the historical significance and sensitivity of the symbol displayed on the shirt.<\/p>\n
According to the agency, efforts were made to ensure the symbol would not appear in official content, but another image showing the design was later shared, prompting online criticism.<\/p>\n
Upper Room said that neither Mark nor the agency supports racism, hate, discrimination or any form of intolerance.<\/p>\n
\u201cRegardless of intent, we recognise that this matter should have been handled with greater diligence and care,\u201d the statement read. \u201cWe take full responsibility for this oversight.\u201d<\/p>\n
The agency also thanked those who raised concerns and said it would strengthen its internal review processes regarding wardrobe selection and content approval to prevent similar incidents in the future.<\/p>\n
Mark, whose full name is Mark Lee, debuted as a member of NCT in 2016 and was active in the band\u2019s various sub-units, including NCT 127, NCT Dream and NCT U.<\/p>\n