The landscape of the South Korean entertainment industry continues to undergo a significant transformation as SM Entertainment, one of the nation’s "Big Three" agencies, announced the official departure of Lucas on April 24, 2026. This news follows a series of high-profile exits from the company, most notably those of NCT members Ten and Mark Lee, signaling a period of unprecedented transition for the agency and its flagship boy group brand, NCT. The conclusion of Lucas’s exclusive contract marks the end of an era for the performer, who has been a central, albeit controversial, figure in the agency’s global expansion strategy for nearly a decade.
In an official communiqué released on Thursday, SM Entertainment confirmed that the mutual agreement between the artist and the agency had reached its conclusion. The statement, which was disseminated across official social media channels and the company’s investor relations portal, adopted a tone of professional gratitude, acknowledging the artist’s journey from his early days as a trainee to his various roles within the agency’s diverse musical projects. The departure is effective immediately, bringing a definitive close to a professional relationship that began when Lucas was scouted in Hong Kong in 2015.
The Official Statement from SM Entertainment
The agency’s statement was concise, focusing on the conclusion of the legal agreement and offering well-wishes for the artist’s future endeavors. According to the English version of the release, SM Entertainment expressed its sincere thanks to the fans who have remained dedicated to Lucas throughout his career.
"We hereby inform you that the exclusive contract with LUCAS has concluded as of April 24th," the agency stated. "We will cherish every moment shared, from the early trainee days to the various activities LUCAS took part in after his debut, and continue to support him as he begins this new chapter." The agency concluded the announcement by requesting continued public encouragement for Lucas as he navigates his career independently or under new representation.
A Career Defined by Global Ambition
To understand the weight of this departure, one must look at the trajectory of Lucas, born Wong Yuk-hei, within the SM Entertainment ecosystem. Lucas first gained public attention as a member of SM Rookies before making his official debut in 2018 through the NCT 2018 project. His inclusion in the music video for "Boss" catapulted him to immediate stardom, fueled by his distinct visuals and deep vocal tone.
SM Entertainment utilized Lucas as a key "multilingual ace," placing him in several high-stakes units. He was a foundational member of WayV, the agency’s China-focused sub-unit of NCT, which debuted in 2019. Furthermore, he was selected as a member of SuperM, the "Avengers of K-pop" supergroup formed in partnership with Capitol Records, intended to penetrate the North American market. His presence in SuperM, alongside veterans from SHINee and EXO, underscored the high level of confidence SM Entertainment initially placed in his marketability.
The 2021 Hiatus and the Shift to Soloist
The momentum of Lucas’s career faced a severe disruption in August 2021 following a series of personal controversies that surfaced on social media. The allegations led to an immediate suspension of his activities, including the cancellation of a highly anticipated sub-unit debut with fellow WayV member Hendery. For nearly two years, Lucas remained largely out of the public eye, during which time the agency faced immense pressure from various factions of the global fanbase regarding his status.
In May 2023, SM Entertainment officially announced that Lucas would be withdrawing from both NCT and WayV to pursue individual projects. This decision was framed as a way to respect the artist’s growth and the cohesion of the existing groups. Despite the withdrawal, Lucas remained under the SM label as a soloist. His solo debut, featuring the single "Renegade," took place in April 2024. While the debut was a significant milestone for his personal brand, industry analysts noted that the commercial and critical reception was polarized, reflecting the lasting impact of his previous hiatus.
A Chronology of Key Events
The following timeline outlines the major milestones in Lucas’s tenure with SM Entertainment:
- 2015-2017: Lucas is scouted in Hong Kong and joins SM Entertainment as a trainee; he is introduced as part of the SM Rookies program.
- February 2018: Makes his official debut with NCT U in the single "Boss" as part of the NCT 2018 Empathy project.
- January 2019: Debuts as a member of WayV with the digital EP The Vision.
- October 2019: Debuts in the United States as a member of SuperM.
- August 2021: Enters an indefinite hiatus following personal life controversies.
- May 2023: SM Entertainment announces Lucas’s official departure from NCT and WayV.
- April 2024: Launches his solo career with the single album Renegade.
- April 24, 2026: SM Entertainment announces the expiration and non-renewal of Lucas’s exclusive contract.
Contextualizing the Exit: The "SM 3.0" Era
Lucas’s departure does not occur in a vacuum. It comes during a period of intense structural reorganization within SM Entertainment, referred to by management as "SM 3.0." This new era, which followed a highly publicized corporate battle for control in 2023, emphasizes a multi-production center system designed to reduce reliance on a single founder and streamline artist management.
Under SM 3.0, the agency has seen a shift in how it handles long-term contracts and veteran artists. The mention of Ten and Mark Lee leaving the agency alongside Lucas suggests a broader trend of "NCT" anchors seeking new opportunities. For a brand like NCT, which was built on the concept of infinite expansion and rotational units, the departure of "founding" members presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the agency to pivot toward its newer groups, such as RIIZE and the final NCT unit, NCT WISH.
Market Reaction and Industry Implications
The departure of a high-profile idol typically has a measurable impact on an entertainment company’s stock valuation and brand sentiment. In the hours following the announcement, SM Entertainment’s stock saw minor fluctuations, though analysts suggest the market had already priced in the possibility of Lucas’s exit given his solo status and the previous restructuring of his activities.
From a strategic standpoint, Lucas’s exit allows SM Entertainment to reallocate resources toward emerging talent. For Lucas, the departure offers a "clean slate." In the current K-pop climate, many idols who leave major agencies choose to establish one-man agencies or sign with boutique labels that offer more creative control and a higher percentage of profit sharing. Given Lucas’s strong following in Southeast Asia and Greater China, industry insiders speculate he may focus his future activities on the Mandopop market or international fashion and modeling, where he has previously maintained a strong presence.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Discourse
The reaction from the global K-pop community has been a mixture of support and closure. On platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Weibo, hashtags related to Lucas trended shortly after the announcement. Fans of the artist, known as "Luminalis," expressed their intent to follow his future journey, while others within the NCTzen (NCT fan) community viewed the news as the final step in the group’s transition into its next phase.
The departure of Mark Lee and Ten—referenced in the context of this news—has arguably had a more profound impact on the "NCT" brand identity, as both were seen as foundational pillars of the group’s performance and leadership structure. The loss of three significant figures within a similar timeframe suggests that SM Entertainment is currently navigating one of its most significant talent retention challenges since the mid-2010s.
The Road Ahead for Lucas and SM Entertainment
As Lucas enters this new chapter, he joins a growing list of "graduated" idols who are testing the viability of their solo brands outside the traditional "Big Four" agency system. His success will likely depend on his ability to rebuild a cohesive public image and secure partnerships that capitalize on his global recognition.
For SM Entertainment, the focus now turns to stabilizing its remaining roster and ensuring the success of its 2026-2027 rollout plan. The agency remains a powerhouse of talent, but the recent exodus of established stars serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of artist-agency relationships in the modern era. The conclusion of Lucas’s contract is more than just a legal end; it is a reflection of the shifting tides in an industry where individual branding is increasingly rivaling the power of the agency label itself.
In the coming months, the industry will be watching closely to see where Lucas signs his next contract and how SM Entertainment intends to fill the void left by the departure of several of its most recognizable global faces. For now, the "Renegade" singer is officially an independent agent, marking the end of a tumultuous and high-profile decade under the wings of the agency that first introduced him to the world.
