the previous "markf" here. I understand that "symbol" represents an idea. it's just that it was clearly mentioned that "upon recognition/realisation it was removed". It only means that he didn't know before. things just don't add up, okay? Had he been real racist, why would he even apologise? saying exactly the words "do not condone or any sort of discrimination" nobody actually apologised like that in k-pop actually, most of them don't even apologise in the first place. I'm not at all saying we must glaze him cuz it's lesser than bare minimum and he should have come out with a more authentic apology than a statement that disappears after 24hrs. and I said he needn't apologise cuz he's not associated to nct anymore and he could just be like it doesn't matter. he could have been okay with people thinking he's a racist. but he took action in less than three hours, no? Just like nobody forced him to wear the shirt, nobody forced him to apologise either. Kfans wouldn't even cancel him even if said a black person is his slave it wouldn't affect his career at all. listen, I'm not at all defending him and I'm deeply upset too but I regard it as a stupid ignorant mistake but not a moral failure to CANCEL him. and idk... Actually I was more mad at him when he collabed with mc Donalds than this. Cuz his action has a real consequence. I only supported him later cuz of the benefit of doubt that korea doesn't fund israel. and he collabed with un too. Sigh. But wearing a confederate flag doesn't have a /real/ consequence... Idk like it existed before now it doesn't have the significance. Mcd boycott was also very prevelant cuz many idols got in trouble for buying starbucks (including nct collaboration) and YET he went on with it. No way he didn't know. But this shirt incident... I do believe he didn't know. it's difficult to remember everything you studied (if that was even taught) Yes he is associated to his intl fans but do they ever talk about it?? no. He's probably more aware of korean history and culture than American by now. he was 12 fgs 😭. I won't defend him but i do think it's a bit unfair. Idt many would have the same reaction if he was in nct. It's just easier to hate him now because they don't have to drop the rest of the group cuz they are "guilty by association" or hate him in a place where he appears over and over. See I'm not defending him. As a celebrity you should be aware. You shouldn't wear smth without knowing what it means. You should also be brave enough to offer a better apology. But what bothers me is that fandom going at two sides where people either blame markfs and question their moral compass to still stan him and the other side where people still coddle him like a child. neither is good. confederate flag I researched about it, in south America it's also used as a symbol of country music. And even in certain parts of Europe. this doesn't make the shirt less controversial but it sure does guarantee the availability of the shirt in the market as a fashion item. So he could have gotten it randomly and not bcs he was helping the us govt lol. A lot of these things are taken wayyy out of proportion so like it's just more complicated and not enough for me to cancel him. but i do not trust him ofc, especially after the mcd incident only. cuz it was an individual project, you could have just said I'm too busy/lazy for this but nah. you decided to get that paycheck. for me to believe him again tho, he should only say it openly that he is a liberal atp. but that's for every other celebrity. Idk why Mark's the only one targeted. That's all. I mean it in a nice way only.. despite this I do understand the sentiments who have been hurt i do not keep him above the victims at all.