Hong Kong-born K-pop artist Lucas has returned to the spotlight with his solo debut album ‘Renegade,’ following a challenging hiatus prompted by controversy.
Lucas, formerly a member of NCT and WayV, faced a tumultuous period after allegations of misconduct in 2021, which temporarily halted his career trajectory.
The 25-year-old singer, born Wong Yuk-hei, launched his solo career with the release of ‘Renegade’ in April, marking a significant milestone in his musical journey.
Despite initial nerves surrounding his comeback as a soloist, Lucas credited his team and loyal fan base for their unwavering support, which bolstered his confidence during a press conference held as part of his ‘Fiat Lux: 熙’ fan concert tour in Manila.
“I was very nervous before becoming a soloist, but the staff took good care of me and gave me a lot of opinions. Even in my music videos, photos, showcase and broadcast appearances, I was very nervous but they were able to help me,” Lucas revealed, expressing gratitude for the encouragement from fans who motivated him to strive for personal growth.
Lucas, who debuted with NCT in 2018 and later joined SuperM, faced setbacks in 2021 when allegations surfaced, leading to a temporary departure from NCT and WayV. In a recent documentary, he publicly acknowledged his mistakes and apologized for his actions related to the controversy.
With ‘Renegade,’ a three-track album, Lucas ventured into new musical realms, blending rock and hip-hop elements in the title track.
Reflecting on the song’s genesis, Lucas recalled, “The first time I heard the demo for ‘Renegade,’ the melody was stuck in my mind for a month. After looking at the lyrics, I thought, ‘Maybe this is a song for me.’”
Lucas also expressed enthusiasm for exploring diverse musical genres and potential acting opportunities. “My A&R team has such good composers and producers so I’d like to collaborate more with them,” he said, underscoring his commitment to evolving as an artist.
On his ‘Fiat Lux: 熙’ tour, which kicked off in Indonesia and included a stop in Manila, Lucas made his first visit to the Philippines. He fondly recounted encountering Filipino fans who warmly welcomed him, appreciating their hospitality and support.
“I’m very grateful for my fans, and I’ll make sure to be a Lucas who brings better music and a better version of myself,” Lucas affirmed, conveying his dedication to his fans and his future endeavors in the music industry.