Former NCT Member Mark Lee Addresses Confederate Flag Controversy: "There Are No Excuses"

Former NCT member Mark Lee directly addressed recent controversies and rumors surrounding him during an Instagram Live, apologizing for previously wearing a shirt featuring the Confederate flag while also denying online claims that he had joined a cult.

During the live broadcast on August 20th, Mark spoke at length about photos that circulated in June showing him wearing the shirt. The singer acknowledged the historical significance of the Confederate flag and the hurt the incident caused, particularly among Black fans and the wider Black community.

"The pain that it brought to a lot of people, and especially to my Black fans, to the Black community... I am very responsible for it," Mark said. "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."

Mark explained that he had not known the meaning behind the flag when he wore the shirt, but emphasized that this did not excuse the incident. "It really does not reflect who I am as a person, but seeing so many fans being hurt by it, it really hurt me as well," he continued.

"I should have [known]. There are no excuses to that," he added before saying that both he and his team have since taken measures to prevent a similar situation from happening again. Moreover, he also explained why he had waited before personally addressing the controversy saying he had been "sitting on this for a while" and felt that the Instagram Live was the right opportunity to speak directly to fans.

Beyond the shirt controversy, the singer addressed several rumors that have circulated online following a previous vlog, including claims that he had become involved with a cult.

"There are videos on TikTok and the internet that claim as if I joined a cult or something like that,” Mark said, laughing at the unexpected speculation. "I didn't even expect to have to clarify this, but yeah, I'm not a member and I'm a Christian, and I'll always be this way."

He further asked fans not to question his religious affiliation, explaining that Christianity was not a recent development in his life.

Lastly, Mark also provided more context surrounding his current life in New York and his relationship with David, who serves as his manager but has also become closely involved in his music.

The two have been working together since April, with Mark explaining that they spend much of their time making music together day and night and so that is why David has frequently appeared alongside him and why the two have been spending so much time together.

However, Mark expressed disbelief over the amount of speculation that has emerged from their appearances together and content shared online. With videos and rumors continuing to circulate across social media, he remarked on how "crazy" it felt that he had reached a point where he needed to go online and personally clarify the nature of their relationship and his current circumstances.

The clarification comes during a period of transition for Mark, who is now pursuing his career independently under Upper Room following his departure from NCT and SM Entertainment.

With new music currently in development, the singer used the broadcast to address several narratives surrounding his personal life while offering a clearer picture of what his life and creative process currently look like.