K-pop artist Lucas at a press conference for the Manila stop of his 'Fiat Lux: 熙' fan concert tour, June 15, 2024. Photos by Jaehwa Bernardo, ABS-CBN NewsMANILA — Lucas could not help but feel nervous when he released his single album “Renegade” last April. Understandably so, as the release not only marked the Hong Kong-born K-pop artist’s solo debut but also his comeback from a nearly three-year hiatus prompted by a controversy.

Despite his apprehensions, Lucas found strength in the unwavering support of his staff and fans, which helped him shake off his nerves.

“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 said at a press conference for the recent Manila stop of his “Fiat Lux: 熙” fan concert tour.

“The love and support of my fans also helped. They tell me, ‘We’re here for you.’ Those kinds of words actually encouraged me to be a better person. So, I think that’s the reason I could stay here today,” he said via an interpreter.

Born Wong Yuk-hei, Lucas debuted in 2018 as a member of the mega boy band NCT and its Chinese sub-unit WayV. A year later, he joined SuperM, a supergroup composed of members from several male acts under his label, SM Entertainment.

Lucas’ career came to a halt in 2021 following allegations from purported former girlfriends accusing him of cheating and exploiting them financially, according to reports. The singer, who has since departed NCT and WayV, later apologized for the incident, saying in a recent documentary, “I shouldn’t have behaved that way for any reason.”

The 25-year-old singer seems resolute in resuming his music career, with the three-track album “Renegade” marking his initial venture. 

At the press conference, Lucas said the title song “Renegade,” which blends rock and hip-hop, was about “discovering a stronger inner self and navigating through life.”

“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,’” he recalled.

“So I actually researched for a rap tone that suits this song and I really prepared a lot,” he said.

Lucas experimented on “new things,” including rap styles, for his solo music. “But of course, when it comes to defining my music, it’s just me, myself,” he said when asked if he has found a signature sound, adding that he would strive to create even better music.

He also expressed openness to exploring different music styles and acting opportunities. “My A&R (artists and repertoire) team has such good composers and producers so I’d like to collaborate more with them,” he said.

‘Energized by my fans’

While he has not put out new music since “Renegade,” Lucas embarked on the “Fiat Lux: 熙” tour, which kicked off in Indonesia.

“For my first [stop of the] fan con [tour], I was very nervous but I was energized by my fans a lot,” he said.

Organized by L-Squared Productions, the Manila leg of Lucas’ tour also marked his first visit to the Philippines. Before arriving, he researched the country, even visiting a Philippine market in Seoul to sample local delicacies.

It appears that Filipino fans also left a positive impression on Lucas, as he encountered some of them while looking for snacks the night before his fan con. 

“When I encountered them, they told me to enjoy the Philippines. They’re very hospitable and kind. I think it’s my first time to hear, ‘Enjoy the Philippines.’ It feels like they’re welcoming me with all their hearts,” he recounted.

“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.”

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