After years of uncertainty, the chapter is officially closed. SM Entertainment confirmed on April 24, 2026 that Lucas, the Hong Kong-born rapper and former NCT member, has concluded his exclusive contract with the agency. The announcement arrived via the global fan platform Weverse and marks the end of an eight-year association that included highs like the formation of WayV and the supergroup SuperM, and a personal controversy that ultimately changed the trajectory of his career entirely.
The Official SM Entertainment Statement
SM Entertainment released the following statement on Weverse on April 24, 2026:
“We sincerely thank the fans who have shown great love and interest in Lucas. We inform you that the exclusive contract between our company and Lucas has been terminated as of April 24. We cherish the time we have spent with Lucas since his trainee days until now, when he has shown various activities after his debut, and we will support his new challenges moving forward. We ask the fans to also watch Lucas’s new beginning with warm eyes.”
Lucas’s Career Timeline at SM Entertainment
| Year | Milestone |
| 2018 | Debuted with NCT in NCT U, with the single BOSS |
| 2018 | Became a member of WayV, NCT’s China-based sub-unit |
| 2020 | Joined SuperM, the SM supergroup featuring members from EXO, SHINee, and NCT |
| 2021 | Personal controversy emerged, involving allegations from multiple women |
| 2023 (May) | Officially departed from NCT and WayV groups, began solo career |
| 2024 (April) | Released debut solo EP, Renegade |
| 2026 (April 24) | Exclusive contract with SM Entertainment officially concluded |
Why Did He Leave NCT?
Lucas suspended group activities in 2021 following allegations of gaslighting, cheating, and manipulative behaviour toward multiple women who claimed to be his ex-girlfriends. He did not return to group promotions after that hiatus and formally departed from both NCT and WayV in May 2023.
His departure from NCT makes him the third artist from the NCT faction to leave SM Entertainment in April 2026 alone, following the exits of Mark from NCT 127 and NCT Dream, and Ten, who expressed his wish to continue participating in NCT U and WayV activities when possible.
What Has Lucas Been Doing Since Going Solo?
After departing NCT, Lucas began rebuilding his profile as a solo artist and public figure:
- In April 2024, he released his debut solo EP Renegade, marking his official return to the music industry
- In June 2024, he held his first Fancon Tour in Manila, Philippines, where he was welcomed by fans
- In December 2024, he returned to Manila for the V1BE Manila 2024 concert
- He is set to make his acting debut in the upcoming Taiwanese drama Our Time, in which he will portray the younger version of a character originally played by Jerry Yan
What Comes Next for Lucas?
With his SM Entertainment contract now concluded, Lucas enters a new phase of his career as a fully independent artist. His acting debut in Our Time represents a clear shift toward expanding beyond music, and his continued fan engagement through live events suggests he is actively rebuilding his connection with international audiences.
However, the road ahead is not without challenges. The allegations from 2021 significantly impacted his fanbase, particularly among Chinese fans, and his solo debut underperformed commercially. Whether acting or a new music deal provides the momentum for a larger comeback remains to be seen.
What is confirmed is that SM Entertainment has expressed support for his future, and Lucas himself has been working consistently since returning from his hiatus in 2023.
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