Former NCT and WayV member Lucas has confirmed the end of his exclusive contract with SM Entertainment, marking the conclusion of an eight-year tenure with the agency.
The Hong Kong-born rapper, whose real name is Wong Yuk-hei, announced his departure from the label on April 24, 2026, following his exit from NCT and its Chinese sub-unit WayV in May 2023. Lucas had been a part of SM Entertainment since February 2018, after being introduced as a member of SM Rookies in April 2017.
Reflecting on his time with the company, Lucas expressed gratitude for the experiences shared during his tenure. “I will cherish the time we spent together,” he said in a statement, underscoring the significance of his journey with the agency.
Lucas debuted as a solo artist on April 1, 2024, with the release of his single album “Renegade,” which came after his departure from NCT and WayV. His career with SM also included activities as part of the supergroup SuperM from October 2019 to October 2023.
Throughout his time with the label, Lucas balanced his music career with modeling and occasional appearances in variety shows, maintaining a presence across K-pop and C-pop markets. His mixed heritage—born to a Chinese father with Teochew roots and a Thai mother—has often been noted in media profiles, contributing to his distinct identity within the industry.
The announcement adds to a series of high-profile departures from SM Entertainment in recent months, joining other artists such as BoA and Mark in leaving the agency. Lucas’s exit underscores ongoing shifts in the K-pop landscape as artists reevaluate long-term agency affiliations.
As of now, Lucas has not disclosed details about his future plans, though he remains active on social media under the handle @lucas_xx444, where he continues to engage with fans.
