K-pop Star's Label Apologizes for Confederate Flag Shirt

Former NCT member Mark Lee's record label, Upper Room, has apologized for recent photos showing the Canadian K-pop star wearing a Confederate flag T-shirt. The images circulated widely online, prompting a statement from the label on Instagram Stories. Upper Room explained the T-shirt was selected as a "vintage wardrobe item" but acknowledged the symbol's historical significance and sensitivity. They stated that measures were taken to prevent its visibility in official content, but the image was shared externally.

The label has taken full responsibility for the oversight, admitting the matter should have been handled with greater caution. Upper Room and the artist explicitly reject racism, hate, discrimination, and any form of intolerance, deeply regretting the distress caused. The company committed to strengthening its internal review procedures moving forward and offered apologies to all affected by the incident. Mark Lee launched Upper Room on June 3, following his departure from SM Entertainment and the K-pop group NCT in April.