# The NCT Exodus Continues — Lucas Officially Parts Ways With SM Entertainment After 8 Years

URL: https://technosports.co.in/the-nct-exodus-continues-lucas-officially/  
Published: 2026-04-24  
Updated: 2026-04-24  
Author: Reetam Bodhak

April 2026 has been a seismic month for [NCT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NCT_(group)) fans. First Mark, then Ten, and now — completing what feels like a quiet but significant dismantling of an era — **Lucas has officially ended his exclusive contract with SM Entertainment** as of April 24, 2026. Three departures, one month, one unmistakable message: a chapter is closing.

### Lucas at SM Entertainment — Overview

| Year | Milestone |
| --- | --- |
| 2018 | Debuted with NCT U on the single *BOSS* (February 18) |
| 2018 | Official debut via NCT 2018 Empathy studio album |
| 2018–2021 | Active in WayV and SuperM alongside EXO, SHINee, NCT members |
| 2021 | Personal controversy leads to exit from NCT and sub-units |
| May 2023 | Launched solo career |
| April 24, 2026 | Exclusive contract with SM Entertainment officially concludes |

### What SM Entertainment Said?

The announcement was posted directly on Lucas’ Weverse channel, with SM Entertainment confirming the contract conclusion in a warm but straightforward statement. The agency expressed gratitude for his journey — from his trainee days all the way through his post-debut activities — and encouraged fans to support him as he begins this new independent chapter.

![Lucas](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ucucuss-1024x653.jpg)

It is worth noting that Lucas’ departure follows a very different path compared to his fellow departing members. Mark left NCT 127 and NCT DREAM entirely after a decade-long journey, while Ten expressed a desire to remain associated with NCT U and WayV on a collaborative basis. Lucas, whose personal controversy in 2021 had already separated him from the group’s active lineup, had been operating as a soloist since May 2023 — making this contract conclusion feel more like a formal closing of a door that was already ajar.

### What This Means for the NCT Universe Going Forward

Three key members departing from SM Entertainment in a single month is notable, and it signals what many fans have been sensing for a while — that [NCT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NCT_(group)) as a collective is entering a significant period of structural transition. The group’s famously large and multi-unit format, which once seemed like an endlessly expandable system, is clearly evolving.

For more K-pop industry news, artist updates, and South Korean entertainment coverage, stay tuned to [TechnoSports](https://technosports.co.in) where we track all the latest developments.

### FAQs

### **Q: Why did Lucas leave SM Entertainment?**

Lucas’ exclusive contract with SM Entertainment concluded on April 24, 2026, after 8 years with the agency. He had already been working as a solo artist since May 2023 following his earlier exit from NCT and its sub-units.

### **Q: Who else from NCT left SM Entertainment in April 2026?**

Lucas is the third NCT-affiliated artist to depart SM Entertainment in April 2026, following Mark’s exit from NCT 127 and NCT DREAM, and Ten’s departure, though Ten expressed a wish to continue collaborating with NCT U and WayV in the future.