FOLLOWING a nearly two-year hiatus from activities, NCT and WayV member, Lucas, announced his departure from both groups on Wednesday.
SM Entertainment, the label that represents NCT and WayV, along with other popular groups such as Exo and Red Velvet, released an official statement confirming Lucas’ departure.
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“We have an announcement to share with you regarding LUCAS’ future plans,” the statement, translated from Korean, read.
“After our deliberate discussion LUCAS, 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 of both the members and all the fans who have supported.”
The statement added that Lucas – real name, Wong Yuk-hei – is planning to continue as a solo performer.
“Once again, we sincerely appreciate lavished love and support from all the fans and ask for your continuous support and interest in the future.”
Lucas also made his own statement on Instagram to his more than 12million followers.
“After much deliberation and reflection, I have made the difficult decision to part ways with the group NCT and WayV,” Lucas wrote in a statement that was also written in Korean and Chinese.
“I sincerely feel sorry for the members, and it is with a heavy heart that I leave behind a long-standing friendship.
“I will cherish these memories and never forget. I hope that the members will remember me as Huang Xuxi, not just Lucas.”
The rapper continued, adding that the decision was made after a considerable amount of time and reflection, echoing the statement from SM Entertainment.
“Moving forward, I intend to muster the courage to face the fans who have been waiting for me and to pursue individual endeavors,” he said.
“I believe the best way to repay the fans who support me is by continuing to deliver outstanding performances.”
Lucas, 24, debuted as a member of NCT in 2018 along with fellow members Kun and Jungwoo.
He was scouted by SM Entertainment in late 2015 after passing a global audition in Hong Kong and was initially trained as a model before switching to idol preparations.
He was introduced as a member of SM Rookies, a pre-debut training team of young trainees, in April 2017.
NCT, an acronym for Neo Culture Technology, has been cited as K-pop’s most experimental boy group due to the large number of members broken up into several sub-units.
Following Lucas’ departure, NCT currently has 22 members divided into five sub-units: NCT U, NCT 127, NCT Dream, WayV, and NCT DoeJaeJung.
He was mainly known as a member of WayV, the fourth sub-unit of NCT that primarily performs in Chinese.
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WayV debuted in January 2019 and consists of members: Kun, Ten, Winwin, Xiaojun, Hendery, and Yangyang.
Lucas was also a member of the K-pop supergroup, SuperM, which featured several other SM Entertainment artists such as Taeyong, Mark, and Ten of NCT.
SuperM also consists of Exo members Baekhyun and Kai, and Taemin from Shinee.
The group debuted in October 2019 with their hit single, Jopping, but has been on hiatus while members Taemin and Baekyun perform their mandatory military service.
It’s unknown if Lucas will remain a member of SuperM following his departure from NCT and WayV.
FANS REACT
Following the news, Lucas, NCT, and WayV have trended on social media as fans shared their reactions.
“Thank you for all the memories as a member of NCT and WayV, so sad to hear that you decided to leave the group but personally I’m so glad you’re back,” wrote one fan.
“NCT in my heart will always have 23 members,” wrote another fan.
A third fan wrote: “I support Lucas and only Lucas.”
However, other fans seemingly celebrated Lucas’ departure as the hashtags “WayV is 6” and “NCT is 22” were also trending.
Many blamed Lucas for “taking too long” to leave the group and consequently affecting the other members who had to halt promotions as well.
“Lucas is gone!!” wrote one fan. “WayV is 6!!”
“WE’RE FINALLY F***ING FREEEEEE LET’S GO WAYV IS 6,” wrote another fan.
HIATUS
In August 2021, months after WayV released their third EP, Kick Back, it was announced that Lucas would be taking time away from activities and WayV would be performing as six members.
The announcement came after several online posts from people claiming to be his romantic partners accused Lucas of cheating on them and abusing his celebrity status.
At the time, Lucas made an Instagram post apologizing for his past behaviors and revealed that he would take time off to reflect on his actions.
“My sincere apologies to those whom I have hurt because of my wrongdoings. If given the chance I would like to apologize in person,” Lucas wrote.
“Looking back, my past behavior was definitely the wrong part, and it was an irresponsible act that took away the support and support you fans have given me for a long time.”
At the time, Lucas was scheduled to release his single Jalapeño alongside fellow WayV member, Hendery.
A teaser for the single was released and has amassed more than 3million views but the song was never released.
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