Is Lucas, a member of K-pop boy band NCT and its subunit WayV, and supergroup SuperM, going to make his comeback soon?
In August 2021, Lucas suspended his activities and apologized after a woman who said she was his former girlfriend accused him of gaslighting and mooching off from her.
On Feb. 1, Lee Sung-soo, CEO of SM Entertainment, posted two photos of him together with Lucas on Instagram.
On the same day, Lucas posted a video on his Instagram account showing him dancing in a practice room.
The posts heightened speculations that Lucas will be making his comeback after more than a year since the controversy.
“I don't have many words to say, I just hope that you will always be healthy and happy, I am always here for you and will always love you,” one fan commented on his dance practice video.
Another wrote, “We are always here for you Lucas.”
Fans have also shielded him against haters who opposed his comeback.
“Lucas, don't read the haters comment, they're just losing their coolness after knowing the King is back... just let them be,” one fan wrote.
The woman claimed that she and Lucas dated and he would make her pay for rooms at hotels and ask her to buy expensive things, according to SBS News.
She also said that he told her they should break up, telling her, "I don't like you because you seem like my fan" and "Don't be a fangirl anymore." To back her claims, she uploaded screenshots of their conversations and photos.
A Chinese fan also came out and said she experienced the same with Lucas.
After the woman’s accusations surfaced, Lucas and SM Entertainment issued apologies.
"I sincerely would like to apologize to those hurt by my wrongdoings. If you give me a chance, I'd like to apologize to you in person. I also feel truly sorry to all my fans for this,” he said.
He added, "For the past few days, I spent time reflecting on my past. My past actions were very wrong and irresponsible, and I shouldn't have done them if I had considered everyone who had given me so much love and support."
"Once again, I would like to say sorry to everybody who I disappointed. Besides, I'm sorry for the damage and inconvenience I caused to my fellow members, company staff and broadcasting staff," he said.
Lucas said, "I will make sure that nothing like this ever happens again, and will halt all my scheduled activities in order to take time to reflect on myself. I'm genuinely sorry."
SM Entertainment said, “We apologize for causing concern over the personal life of our artist Lucas. Recognizing the seriousness of this matter, we have decided to stop releasing all content, including the song and music video for WayV-Lucas and Hendery’s single 'Jalapeño',’ which was scheduled to be released at 6 p.m. on Aug. 25.”
“Lucas is deeply reflecting on the fact that he has caused great pain and disappointment due to his own wrong actions, and we also feel responsible for poor management of the artist. Once again, we deeply apologize for causing concern to many people, including fans, with Lucas' personal issue,” the agency added.