Mark, international shame immediately after leaving NCT... Wore 'symbol of racism' shirt and gave 'thumbs up' → Public apology Mark Lee, a former member of the K-pop group NCT, faced widespread backlash after leaving his agency SM Entertainment and wearing a T-shirt featuring the Confederate flag, a symbol historically associated with slavery and white supremacy. The incident occurred shortly after he established his one-person agency, Upper Room, and sparked a public apology from his team. The controversy emerged when photos of Mark wearing the shirt surfaced, prompting immediate criticism from fans and critics alike. The agency, Upper Room, issued a detailed apology statement in English on its official Instagram account, clarifying that the shirt was chosen as a vintage item. However, they acknowledged the historical sensitivity of the Confederate flag and expressed regret for not fully considering its implications. The statement emphasized that the image was inadvertently shared externally, leading to public concern. The agency admitted that the situation required greater caution and responsibility, taking full accountability for the oversight. Mark’s team reiterated their rejection of racism, hate, and discrimination, stating that the incident was a failure to uphold the values they stand for. They pledged to strengthen internal review processes for future clothing selections and content approvals to prevent similar issues. The apology also thanked those who raised the concern, highlighting their commitment to addressing feedback and improving transparency. The incident marked the first official statement from Mark since launching Upper Room, which he did in April 2026 after leaving his previous teams, including NCT 127 and NCT DREAM.#sm_entertainment #nct_127 #mark_lee #upper_room #confederate_flag
Mark Lee Announces Exit from NCT After Decade-Long Tenure South Korea’s SM Entertainment confirmed on April 3, 2026, that Mark Lee will conclude his exclusive contract as a member of NCT, including his subunits NCT 127 and NCT DREAM. This decision marks the end of his tenure with the agency, which began with his debut in 2016. The announcement followed months of discussions between Lee and SM Entertainment, culminating in a formal statement that emphasized the agency’s gratitude for his contributions and support for his future endeavors. In a heartfelt message shared on his private Instagram account, Lee expressed his appreciation for his fans’ unwavering support over the past decade. He acknowledged the challenges and triumphs of his journey, stating, “If I had ever done something right to have gained your trust over the last decade, I hope you believe me when I say I’m not doing this just for fun.” Lee also reiterated his commitment to his fans, vowing to “work very very hard” to ensure his new chapter aligns with their expectations. His post concluded with a warm farewell, promising, “See you,” to reassure fans that his career as an artist is far from over. SM Entertainment’s statement highlighted the significance of Lee’s departure, framing it as both a conclusion and a new beginning. The agency praised his dedication and the impact he has had on NCT’s global presence, particularly through his roles in NCT 127 and NCT DREAM. The decision to end his contract reflects a strategic shift for the group, as SM Entertainment seeks to redefine its roster while honoring Lee’s contributions. Lee’s departure has sparked widespread reactions from fans and industry observers. Many have praised his transparency in addressing the decision, noting the emotional depth of his message.#sm_entertainment #nct #nct_127 #nct_dream #mark_lee
