NCT and WayV member Lucas embroiled in controversy over personal life

▲ This photo, provided by SM Entertainment, shows NCT's Lucas. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Aug. 26 (Yonhap) -- Lucas, a Hong Kong member of K-pop boy group NCT and its Chinese subunit band WayV, recently apologized after shocking revelations about the singer's personal life such as seeking financial demands, were revealed.

Recently, claims from Lucas' alleged girlfriend who said she received financial demands such as paying for hotel bills and cigarettes and a victim of "gaslighting" (the act of gaining control by manipulating a person's mind to make them question their thoughts).

Since then, controversy over the singer's private life began to spread over the internet after a couple allegations emerged from women claiming to have had similar experiences while being involved in a relationship with the singer.

"I sincerely apologize to those who were hurt by my wrong behavior," Lucas wrote on his social media on Saturday. "If you give me a chance, I would like to deliver my apology in person."

"While observing the situation during these past few days, I have been sincerely reflecting on my past actions, the 22-year-old singer said. "I'm going to stop all scheduled activities and spend time to look back on myself."

In addition, Lucas said, "I am truly sorry to the fans who have given me a lot of love and support," and apologized for causing damage to his fellow members, company staff, and officials from broadcasting stations

SM Entertainment, the singer's agency, has decided to halt the release WayV members Lucas and Hendery's song "Jalapeno" as well as the music video, which was scheduled to be dropped at 6 p.m. on Aug. 25.

SM also apologized in a separate statement, saying, "We apologize for causing concern in terms of singer Lucas' personal life. We feel responsible for the lack of management of the artist."

(END)

(C) Yonhap News Agency. All Rights Reserved