Former NCT and WayV member Lucas. Image: SuperM/Twitter
South Korean music label SM Entertainment has confirmed Lucas’ departure from K-pop boy group NCT as well as its sub-unit WayV.
After a “deliberate discussion,” SM announced that Lucas will leave both groups to pursue his solo activities, as seen in a statement posted on its official Twitter page on Wednesday, May 10.
“We made a mutual decision to part ways with the group NCT and WayV to pursue his individual endeavors. We ask for your understanding and continuous support as this was a decision taken after much consideration,” the statement read. “Lucas is planning on showing his performances through a wide variety of individual works.”
SM엔터테인먼트입니다. pic.twitter.com/iEJdL30HXS
— SMTOWN (@SMTOWNGLOBAL) May 10, 2023
The entertainment agency also thanked the Hong Kong-born singer’s fans for supporting him throughout his career with NCT and WayV. “We sincerely appreciate [the] lavished love and support from all the fans and ask for your continuous support and interest in the future,” SM said.
It can be noted, however, that SM didn’t clarify whether Lucas has left the supergroup SuperM, as well as the agency itself.
Lucas also confirmed that he would leave NCT and WayV on his personal Instagram as he apologized to his former bandmates.
“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,” he said in the caption of his post.
The former NCT member then expressed his gratitude to the members’ care and support, saying that he believes it is the “right decision” to leave the group.
“I genuinely love them and will always support them from the bottom of my heart,” he said. “It took considerable time for me to reach this decision, and I believe this is the right decision for the good of all. Moving forward, I intend to muster the courage to face the fans who have been waiting for me and to pursue individual endeavors.”
The South Korea-based idol said he will “strive” to become a “more mature” version of himself in the days to come.
“I believe the best way to repay the fans who support me is by continuing to deliver outstanding performances. I will strive to become a more mature Huang Xuxi and an even better Lucas,” he added.
The singer’s post garnered mixed reactions from K-pop fans, as seen in the comments section, where some thanked him for his contributions to NCT and WayV.
Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@lucas_xx444
Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@lucas_xx444
Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@lucas_xx444
Following the announcement, it can be observed that the official Instagram accounts of NCT and WayV are no longer following Lucas, as of this writing.
Prior to confirming his departure, Lucas has been on hiatus from the group since August 2021 after he was accused of taking advantage, cheating, and gaslighting his former partners.
Born as Huang Xuxi, the Hong Kong idol debuted as a member of NCT in March 2018. EDV