On August 21, Mark addressed the controversy during an Instagram Live broadcast. Speaking in English, he said, “I know the pain that the shirt with the Confederate flag caused many people. It really hurts me to think that I may have broken the trust you had in me.”
Mark continued, “I promise you that I will make it up to you through my actions and my music. If you give me another chance, I will do my best to repay that trust. Once again, I sincerely apologize that the photo caused so much pain to so many people. I promise that I will learn more and educate myself about this issue.”
Mark explained that after realizing he had been wearing a Confederate flag T-shirt, he removed the image from official content. However, because the photo had already been leaked online, he immediately issued an apology. “I felt that this was something I personally needed to step up and address. So once again, I want to apologize for causing so much pain to so many people,” he said.
However, Mark maintained that he had “absolutely no intention” of supporting racism. “There was no personal intention behind it either,” he said. He also thanked fans for giving him time to address the issue properly, saying, “I know that many fans have trusted me, and I want to thank you for waiting until this moment.”
Mark later took to his Instagram Story to correct a statement he had made incorrectly during the live broadcast. He explained, “During the broadcast, I made the mistake of saying that I knew the meaning and historical significance of the symbol. What I actually meant to convey was that, at the time, I did not know the meaning or historical background of the symbol.”
He continued, “To be absolutely clear, neither my team nor I understood what the symbol represented.” At the same time, he emphasized, “I will not make any excuses. I take full responsibility for my lack of awareness, and I sincerely apologize to everyone who was hurt or suffered because of this, especially my Black fans.”
Mark wrote, “I have always believed in respecting inclusivity, caring for others, and bringing people together through music. What happened this time does not reflect those values or who I am.”
He added, “I fully understand that not knowing does not lessen the consequences or impact of what happened. I deeply regret my ignorance of the history and meaning behind this symbol, and I will make an effort to educate myself and learn more so that I can become a better person moving forward.”
Finally, Mark wrote, “I am sincerely sorry to everyone who was hurt because of me. I hope that through my actions moving forward, I can demonstrate the values of respect and inclusivity that I strive to uphold.”
In June, photos of Mark wearing a Confederate flag T-shirt were posted online. The Confederate flag, formally associated with the Confederate battle flag, refers to flags used by the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War (1861–1865), a government formed by states that supported slavery.
Like the U.S. flag, it prominently features red, blue and white, along with star symbols representing the states. The 13 stars on the Confederate battle flag have historically been associated with the 13 Confederate states.
Because the Confederate flag carries a clear historical association with racism and slavery, Mark faced widespread criticism. He subsequently apologized through Upper Room, the agency he founded and co-leads. The agency released apologies in both English and Korean, stating that “regardless of intent, this matter should have been handled with greater care and thoroughness, and we take full responsibility for it.”
Upper Room added, “Upper Room and the artist, Mark, do not tolerate racism, hate, discrimination, or intolerance in any form. We fully recognize the seriousness of the concerns that have been raised and deeply regret disappointing so many people through this incident.”
After going through SM Entertainment’s public trainee system, SM Rookies, Mark officially debuted in April 2016 as a member of NCT U with “The 7th Sense.” He went on to actively promote as a member of NCT 127 and NCT DREAM. He also debuted as a member of SM’s supergroup SuperM and later launched his solo career, earning the nickname “the pro debuter” for his numerous activities across different teams.
Mark’s first full-length solo album, The Firstfruit, released in April last year, received positive reviews and was nominated in the K-pop album category at the Korean Music Awards. After performing at NCT DREAM’s concert at KSPO Dome in Seoul’s Songpa District in March this year, Mark left SM Entertainment and NCT the following month in April. In June, he established his new label, Upper Room, signaling the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
Sources: Daum