ENHYPEN Jungwon’s Recent Apology Sparks Criticism Toward Former NCT Member Mark Lee
ENHYPEN’s Jungwon apologizes after wearing controversial Borat shirt
ENHYPEN’s Jungwon is facing backlash after wearing a shirt featuring Sacha Baron Cohen’s character Borat, sparking controversy among fans and Kazakh viewers.
The controversy began when ENHYPEN posted a TikTok on July 18 showing Jungwon doing a dance challenge with two dancers. The video was later deleted, but fans noticed the Borat shirt Jungwon wore. The mockumentary Borat! Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan has been widely criticized for its racist and inaccurate portrayal of Kazakhstan and its people.
Fans pointed out the irony as the choreography was created by a Kazakh dancer, leading many to call out the insensitivity.
Fans quickly reacted online:
writing this thread to explain why so many Kazakh engenes were upset by the recent TikTok posted on Enhypen’s official account #Enhypen #Jungwon @ENHYPEN @ENHYPEN_members @BELIFTLAB @AsiaEnhypen
— #russiaIsATerroristState (@emohaechan_) [July 18, 2026]
I noticed today that Jungwon from ENHYPEN was wearing a Borat tshirt while dancing to choreography by a kazakh choreographer #ENHYPEN #JUNGWON
— karu moon (@karumoonn) [July 18, 2026]
Soon after, Jungwon went live to address the issue. He apologized, said he threw the shirt away immediately after learning its meaning, and even checked the time in Kazakhstan before going live to make sure fans there could see his apology.
jungwon apologized and said that he threw away the tshirt as soon as he learnt the meaning behind it he even checked the time in kazakhstan before opening the live
First of all, I want to apologize. I threw that t-shirt away right away. Even though I didn’t know, if there…
— ♡ྀི | fan acc (@silentstarsnk2) [July 19, 2026]
As the situation unfolded, fans compared Jungwon’s sincere apology to a past controversy involving ex-NCT member Mark Lee. After leaving NCT, Mark faced backlash for wearing a Confederate flag. Many criticized his apology as impersonal, especially compared to Jungwon’s direct and heartfelt response.
Fans shared their thoughts online:
not trying to praise the bare minimum here but wow mark’s just one huge coward https://t.co/6rbUSl5xl8
— (@hyucktuah) [July 19, 2026]
jw’s and m@rks situation is NOT same, he apologized properly, took accountability and literally went live to show his sincerity while m@rk released a chatgpt wroten apology and went to so aegyo do NAWT PISS ME OFF STAY AQAY FROM JW
— lilya (@hyuckoomf) [July 19, 2026]
now i’m all pissed off thinking abt mk again cos how is jungwon getting on live and doing a full ass apology when he’s “bound to the company” where as mk is his own person now, running his own damn company and still couldn’t come out himself to adress the issue or apologise https://t.co/zbCRVCHlu2
— chenle’s gay gf ★ (@calicolele) [July 19, 2026]
Some of Mark’s fans defended him, saying his apology was sufficient.
Mark did too. He apologized quickly.
When Mark apologized, many korean articles were published about his apology, admitting fault and expressing a commitment to preventing recurrence, without offering separate explanations or attempting to evade responsibility and they praised…
— 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸 (@igotchulee_) [July 19, 2026]
It’s somehow unbelievable the audacity present in the kpop community and that we know very well where it comes from, in wanting to put double standards in situations of equal offense. What do you mean you can dictate what is or is not more offensive? When they hurt your people…
— kollenz 𓏲ּ𝄢 (@markleevida) [July 19, 2026]
They want mark to go on live crying on his knees while burning the shirt or something.. even then they would find a way to dismiss his apology bc he speaks english and speaking english means you’re mandatory to know every single thing about the world (only if you’re mk tho)
— ¹²⁷| #NCT12726 #No127NoLife (@markleesways) [July 19, 2026]
Jungwon’s quick and personal apology has sparked discussions on accountability and sincerity in K-pop controversies. Fans continue to watch closely as the situation develops.