K-pop star faced backlash for wearing 'vintage' Confederate flag shirt. His label apologized. [View all]
K-pop artist Mark Lee’s record label, Upper Room, issued an apology Tuesday after public criticism erupted over photographs showing the singer wearing a t-shirt featuring a Confederate flag.
The 26-year-old rapper and singer debuted in 2016, and transitioned to a solo career in April 2025 after departing from K-pop boyband groups NCT 127 and NCT Dream, Complex reported..
In a statement posted Tuesday on his label’s Instagram Story, the label apologized and explained that the garment Lee wore to a fan event was chosen as a vintage wardrobe item, according to Complex.
“The garment was selected solely as a vintage wardrobe item. However, 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,” the label wrote in the statement.
https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2026/06/k-pop-star-faced-backlash-for-wearing-confederate-flag-shirt-his-label-apologized.html
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He's a K-pop star, but he was BORN and RAISED in CANADA!
So, I'm not buying that he didn't know the Confederate flag was offensive to Black Americans (and right-minded non-Black Americans!).
And he's a rapper?!?!?!
Way to culturally appropriate and steal from those you demean!!
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