The release date is the source of it all.
Koreaboo
A popular third-gen K-Pop idol’s new comeback has drawn some unexpected pushback, involving the American right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk.
The idol in question, former NCT member Mark Lee, recently released a music video teaser for his upcoming single, “My Friend.”
MARK LEE drops the music video teaser for ‘My Friend.’ Out September 10. pic.twitter.com/2zcfvh0RaL
— Kpop Charts (@kchartsmaster) September 2, 2026
As soon as the announcement was made, netizens joked that the song was about Charlie Kirk, since the release date coincided with Kirk’s death anniversary.
for those that don’t know mark had a friend named charlie kirk that died on september 10th https://t.co/4lXM4VyqJI
— leila (@haiboki) September 2, 2026
on charlie kirk’s day oh im sure https://t.co/uV0XlHiSYN
— Naevis -77.82X-78.29 (@naevisualizer) September 2, 2026
oh my god he’s trying to resurrect charlie kirk https://t.co/FPBzQBLZ4O
— gaylord ✦¹²⁷ (@127PARTYGIRL) September 2, 2026
ofc hes dropping it on charlie kirks death anniversary thats his role model https://t.co/mxzBiYLaig
— eunsung oomf 🤍 (@idntt21) September 2, 2026
he’s paying tribute to his ult bias kirk hyung https://t.co/l6gLj87bLT
— KYLIE JENNER NOONA (@thaitokki) September 2, 2026
While it is undeniable that the internet tends to tear down public figures without any particular rhyme or reason, the pushback for Mark Lee is not completely arbitrary. In recent months, the idol has gotten embroiled in multiple controversies of alleged racism and belonging to a religious cult. These controversies have convinced netizens that Lee’s values align with those of right-wing figures like Kirk, hence the abundance of posts connecting the two.