Mark Addresses Confederate Flag Shirt Backlash Again

Former NCT member Mark has once again addressed the backlash he received over wearing a T-shirt featuring the Confederate flag, this time speaking directly to fans during a recent live broadcast.

During the live, Mark said, “I am aware of the pain that it brought to a lot of people. Um, especially to my Black fans, to the Black community. I know that I was, I should have, I am very responsible for it, but I really wanted to directly tell you guys it really wasn’t my intention, with me knowing the meaning of the flag, the historical significance of it. It really shouldn’t have happened and it really does not reflect who I am as a person.”

He continued, “Seeing so many fans hurt by it, it really hurt me as well. I had no intention, knowing the meaning of the flag, and I should have, there are no excuses for that. I just wanted to promise you guys that nothing like that will ever happen again.”

He added, “It really breaks my heart to think that maybe the trust has been broken, but I promise that I’ll make it up to you guys. With my actions and with my music, I’ll make sure to make it up to you guys, if you will allow me to have one more chance.”

The Confederate flag was the official flag of the Confederate States during the American Civil War, representing the Southern states that seceded from the Union in support of maintaining slavery. Over time, it became widely associated with white supremacy, racism, and far-right extremist groups, and its public display remains highly controversial.

The controversy first began after photos of Mark, who was born in Canada and later lived in the U.S., wearing a vintage T-shirt featuring the flag went viral. His then-agency, Upper Room, issued an official apology at the time, stating that the shirt had been chosen simply as a vintage fashion item without full consideration of the symbol’s historical weight, and promising stronger internal review procedures for wardrobe and content approval going forward.