Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Smtown Live 2023 Is Coming to Jakarta in September

Rejoice, Indonesian K-pop fans because SM Entertainment is bringing their highly-anticipated company-wide concert SMTOWN LIVE 2023 to Jakarta! 

The agency announced on Wednesday, July 26, that the concert featuring artists from SM Entertainment will be held at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia on September 23. 

The one-night show will feature performances and appearances from eight acts, including TVXQ!, Super Junior, Red Velvet, NCT 127, NCT Dream, WayV, aespa, as well as SM Entertainment’s upcoming new boy group. 

The label added that the celebration is even more special as 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Indonesia. “With our upcoming show, we will reflect on the meaning of harmony while promoting more active cultural exchange between the two countries.”

The SMTOWN LIVE 2023 in Jakarta might serve as the first international schedule for SM’s new boy group. Although the agency remains tight-lipped about the upcoming act, a representative has earlier confirmed that said group is gearing up for a September debut. 

SM Entertainment’s CEO Jang Cheol Hyuk has also revealed that the new boy group will have former NCT members Sungchan and Shotaro and SM Rookies Eunseok and Seunghan as part of its lineup. The seven-piece act will also feature other members of Korean and American nationalities. 

First staged in 2008, SM TOWN LIVE is a concert tour held by SM Entertainment artists. It had stops in Japan, China, Singapore, Thailand, and the United States. 

The last SM TOWN LIVE 2023 concert in Jakarta will be the second time it’ll be held in Indonesia, with the first being in September 2012. 

Featured image: Red Velvet’s Facebook

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Lucas Pens Heartfelt Letter to Fans After NCT and WayV Exit

Lucas has broken his silence following his exit from two SM Entertainment idol groups. Lucas Wong wrote a heartfelt letter addressed to fans after leaving NCT and WayV.

Former NCT and WayV Member Lucas Writes Heartfelt Letter For Fans 

On May 11, Lucas Wong posted a handwritten letter on his Instagram account. The heartfelt letter confirms that the rapper decided to leave NCT and WayV. He explained that it was a difficult decision because of how he felt about the members.

I sincerely feel sorry for the members, and it is with a heavy heart that I leave behind a long-standing friendship,” Lucas wrote. “It has been nearly 8 years since I first joined the members, and I am deeply grateful for their care and support.”

He added, “I will cherish these memories and never forget. I hope that the members will remember me as Huang Xuxi, not just Lucas. I genuinely love them and will always support them from the bottom of my heart.”

Lucas further stated that “this is the right decision for the good of all.” He also shared that he is already looking towards the future.

“Moving forward, I intend to muster the courage to face the fans who have been waiting for me and to pursue individual endeavors,” Lucas wrote. “I believe the best way to repay the fans who support me is by continuing to deliver outstanding performances. I will strive to become a more mature Huang Xuxi and an even better Lucas.”

The final part of the letter is a message for his supporters.

“Lastly, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the fans and everyone who has continually supported me,” Lucas wrote.

SM Entertainment previously announced that Lucas is leaving NCT and WayV to pursue a career as a solo artist. It is believed that Lucas Wong’s departure is connected to previous controversies connected to his personal life.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Lucas Officially Leaving NCT and WayV

Lucas is officially halting all group activities. SM Entertainment confirmed that Lucas Wong is leaving NCT and WayV to pursue a solo career.

Lucas’ Exit From NCT and WayV Officially Announced By SM Entertainment

SM Entertainment issued a statement regarding Lucas’ departure from the two groups he is part of. The statement is written in Korean, English, and Chinese.

“After our deliberate discussion with Lucas, we made a mutual decision to part ways with the group NCT and WayV to pursue his individual endeavours,” it read.

“We ask for your understanding and continuous support as this was a decision taken after much consideration of both the members and all the fans who supported”, the statement continued. SM Entertainment also confirmed that Lucas will officially pursue a career as a solo artist.

Lucas is planning on showing his performances through a wide variety of individual works from now on,” it added. “Once again, we sincerely appreciate lavished love and support from all the fans and ask for your continuous support and interest in the future.”

Is Lucas Still A SuperM Member?

Interestingly, the statement makes no mention of Lucas’ third group SuperM. The supergroup consists of seven of SM Entertainment’s most versatile talents. SuperM is currently not promoting as fellow member Kai of EXO has enlisted for mandatory military service.

Prior to his exit from NCT and WayV, Lucas had been in hiatus since August 2021. He was initially set to release a new single with fellow WayV member Hendery. However, it was postponed as Lucas faced controversy over a cheating scandal.

Although Lucas has apologized to fans for the negative publicity, he also decided to halt group activities.

For now, Lucas is still officially a member of SuperM. However, SM Entertainment could issue a new statement soon. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

Exit mobile version