MARK: The agency apologizes for an outfit worn by the artist

The fact that a piece of clothing sporting the Confederate flag motif, which carries a racist meaning, was worn by MARK, from the group NCT, was revealed, and the latter presented his apologies.

MARK‘s agency, UPPER ROOM, stated on June 24: “We present our sincere apologies to all the people who felt discomfort and disappointment due to the outfit recently worn by MARK.”

Recently, a magician published on social media a certification photo taken with MARK, and a controversy broke out because the Confederate flag was drawn on MARK‘s clothing in the shared photo.

The Confederate flag is the official flag of the government of the Southern Confederacy which supported slavery during the American Civil War. Even after the defeat during the Civil War, this motif continued to be misappropriated by far-right white supremacist groups, neo-Nazis, and anti-Black terrorist groups as a tool to threaten and discriminate against people of color, also sparking reactions calling it the “Rising Sun flag of the United States”. In the United States, the use of the Confederate flag is described as a “racist hate crime” by civil society and at the government level.

From the agency’s side, they bowed their heads, stating: “The clothing in question had been worn as a vintage clothing item, but after becoming aware of the historical meaning and sensitivity of the symbol displayed on the t-shirt, measures were taken so that it would not be visible. Despite this, as the image in question was shared externally, the symbol ended up exposed, causing concern among the public”, and “Regardless of the intention, this matter should have been handled in a more prudent and thorough manner, and the responsibility related to this falls entirely on us.”

It continued by emphasizing: “UPPER ROOM and the artist do not tolerate racism, hate, discrimination, or any other form of intolerance”, and “UPPER ROOM plans to further strengthen clothing selection and content approval procedures so that a similar matter does not recur in the future.”

MARK debuted in 2016 with the group NCT. His exclusive contract with SM ENTERTAINMENT ended last April, and he conducts his activities after having founded his independent agency, UPPER ROOM.

Below is the full text of the official position of the agency:

“Hello.

This is MARK‘s agency, UPPER ROOM.

We present our sincere apologies to all the people who felt discomfort and disappointment due to the outfit recently worn by MARK.

The clothing in question had been worn as a vintage clothing item, but after becoming aware of the historical meaning and sensitivity of the symbol displayed on the t-shirt, measures were taken so that it would not be visible. Despite this, as the image in question was shared externally, the symbol ended up exposed, causing concern among the public.

Regardless of the intention, this matter should have been handled in a more prudent and thorough manner, and the responsibility related to this falls entirely on us.

UPPER ROOM and the artist do not tolerate racism, hate, discrimination, or any other form of intolerance.

We are fully aware of the seriousness of the concerns raised, and we reflect deeply on having caused disappointment to many people due to this matter.

We also sincerely thank the people who pointed out this problem. We will place value on everyone’s opinions and we will listen to them carefully.

Consequently, we plan to further strengthen clothing selection and content approval procedures so that a similar matter does not recur in the future.

We present our sincere apologies to all the people who were hurt or felt offense due to this matter.

We promise to act in the future with a greater sense of responsibility, awareness, and attention.

UPPER ROOM.”