NCT DREAM’s Mark Issues Apology Over Controversial Shirt: ‘I Take Full Responsibility’

Mark from NCT DREAM made headlines after facing backlash for wearing a shirt emblazoned with the Confederate flag. This shirt has long been viewed as a symbol of racism and white supremacy due to its historical ties to the Confederacy, which fought to preserve slavery in the United States.

On August 21, Mark shared a heartfelt apology on his social media, addressing the controversy directly. He admitted that it was a mistake to claim he understood the historical significance behind the symbol during a live performance. Instead, he clarified that he was completely unaware of its meaning at the time.

Mark emphasized, "I want to be clear: I did not know what that symbol stood for. There are no excuses. I take full responsibility for my ignorance. I sincerely apologize to those who were hurt by my actions, especially to my Black fans."

He reflected on his values, stating, "I have always prioritized respecting others and uniting people through music. This incident does not align with my values. I understand that my ignorance does not lessen the impact of my mistake or the pain it caused. I deeply regret my lack of knowledge about the history and meaning behind that symbol."

Mark further committed to personal growth, saying, "I will work to learn and grow from this experience. To everyone who felt hurt, I truly apologize. I hope to demonstrate the values of respect and inclusivity through my actions moving forward."

The controversy erupted after Mark wore the controversial shirt in June, leading fans to criticize it for its historical connotations. Since debuting in 2016 with NCT, Mark has been actively involved in various subunits, including NCT 127 and NCT DREAM. Following the expiration of his contract with SM Entertainment in April, he departed from the group and established his own agency, Upper Room, to continue his career independently.