Lucas departs from K-pop groups NCT, WayV to pursue solo activities

Thai-Chinese K-pop idol Lucas is parting ways with NCT and WayV to focus on solo activities.

The 24-year-old singer and his agency, SM Entertainment, announced the news on social media on Wednesday, May 10, describing his departure as a mutual decision made "after much consideration."

SM Entertainment's statement reads, "After our deliberate discussion [with] LUCAS, we made a mutual decision to part ways with the group NCT and WayV to pursue his indivudal endeavors."

"We ask for your understanding and continuous support as this was a decision taken after much consideration of both the members and all the fans who have supported [Lucas]," the agency continued.

Lucas, for his part, posted a handwritten letter on Instagram, which was translated in Chinese, Korean, and English on the post's caption. 

The singer began, "After much deliberation and reflection, I have made the difficult decision to part ways with the group NCT and WayV. I sincerely feel sorry for the members, and it is with a heavy heart that I leave behind a long-standing friendship."

Lucas went on to express how he is "deeply grateful" for the care and support he has received from the members of both groups in the eight years he has been with them. 

"I hope that the members will remember me as Huang Xuxi, not just Lucas. I genuinely love them and will always support them from the bottom of my heart," he continued.

Lucas considers his departure as "the right decision for the good of all" and promises fans to repay their support "by continuing to deliver outstanding performances." 
 
"I will strive to become a more mature Huang Xuxi and an even better Lucas," he concluded his letter.

Lucas, whose full name is Wong Yuk-hei, is also a member of SuperM, a group consisting of members from four SM Entertainment boy bands: Shinee, Exo, NCT 127, and WayV.

He has been on hiatus since August 2021 following controversies from his former romantic partners who accused him of cheating and gaslighting them, among other things. 

Lucas made his K-ent debut in 2018 as a member of NCT. He was introduced as a member of NCT's China-based subunit, WayV, in January 2019 and as a member of SuperM in October of that year.