Former NCT member Mark faced backlash after his label Upper Room posted photos of him wearing a T-shirt with the Confederate flag on June 23.
On June 23, Upper Room shared images of Mark in the shirt, prompting immediate criticism from netizens. Many expressed fury over the symbol's association with slavery and the American Civil War, with some noting that Canadians learn about its history in school.
Upper Room responded shortly afterward with an apology posted to Instagram Stories. The statement referred to the item as a vintage wardrobe piece.
Mark left NCT and SM Entertainment in April before founding Upper Room earlier this month. Netizens questioned the apology's wording and noted that Mark did not share it on his personal account.
