JYP Entertainment says Stray Kids’ Lee Know will start his mandatory military service in the first quarter of 2027, making him the first member of the group to enlist.
Well, STAY, the day finally came. Lee Know of Stray Kids is heading to the military.
JYP Entertainment announced on Thursday, Nov. 5, Korea time, that the group’s main dancer will begin his mandatory military service in early 2027. The notice went out through Stray Kids’ official X account, according to Soompi.
“Lee Know is scheduled to fulfill his mandatory military service in the first quarter of 2027,” the agency said, as quoted by Koreaboo. “As a result, he may be unable to participate in some of the activities scheduled for the first quarter of 2027,” it added, according to GMA News.
JYP also told fans, “We understand that this news may come as a surprise to many STAY, and we appreciate your kind understanding,” per GMA News. Here’s the group’s latest music video, “This & That,” from JYP Entertainment’s YouTube channel:
When does Lee Know enlist?
There’s no exact date yet. JYP said only “first quarter of 2027,” so sometime between January and March. The agency didn’t say where he’ll do basic training or whether there will be any send-off event, and it said more details would come later, Soompi and GMA News reported.
Until then, Lee Know will keep meeting fans through content and his own individual activities, according to the notice as reported by several outlets.
He’ll be the first Stray Kids member to serve. No other member has announced an enlistment date.
Why does Lee Know have to serve in the military?
South Korea requires most able-bodied men to complete military service, and K-pop stars aren’t exempt. Most idols put it off as long as the law allows, then go in while they’re in their late 20s.
Lee Know, whose real name is Lee Min-ho, was born on Oct. 25, 1998, which makes him 28.
The group’s oldest member, leader Bang Chan, holds Australian citizenship, Koreaboo noted. That makes Lee Know the oldest member who has to serve.
He’d already said he was ready. At a press conference for the group’s album in August, he said, “I believe national defense is a natural duty, so if I am called upon, I will faithfully fulfill the duty assigned to me,” according to a translation by TopStarNews.
What does this mean for Stray Kids’ tour?
That’s the part fans are worried about. Koreaboo reported that the notice landed while Stray Kids still has not announced the next leg of its world tour, and some fans fear dates in Europe and the Americas could go ahead without him. One fan said they wanted to see “eight members, not seven.”
JYP hasn’t said anything about the group taking a break. For now, the only confirmed change is that Lee Know may miss some events in the first three months of 2027.
TopStarNews reported the group’s RUN IT world tour opened with five shows at KSPO Dome in Seoul over the summer, played Tokyo National Stadium in August and is set for Tokyo Dome from Nov. 6 to 8.
The Nov. 7 show is getting a live broadcast in movie theaters around the world, according to TopStarNews.
How are STAY reacting to Lee Know’s news?
Mostly with sadness. Koreaboo, which reported “major criticism” of the timing, also found plenty of fans who said they saw this coming and were still crushed. Some fans are already hoping for one more album before he leaves, though Koreaboo was clear that’s only fan speculation.
Most of the frustration is about the schedule. Fans want the full group on stage, and the tour plans are still a mystery.
Who is Lee Know in Stray Kids?
Lee Know is the group’s main dancer, and he also sings and raps. He’s part of Dance Racha, the group’s performance unit, alongside Hyunjin and Felix. He’s also known for his deadpan humor and his cats, which have their own fan base.
Stray Kids debuted in March 2018 after the survival show that formed the group the year before. Its 10th mini album, “THIS & THAT,” came out in August 2026, and Khaleej Times reported it as the group’s ninth straight No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
He’s had a busy year on his own, too, with fashion work for Gucci and magazine covers in Japan and Korea.
So, STAY, you’ve got a few months. Go to the shows, stream the music and get your hand-written letters ready.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
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Hat Tips:
Soompi (Nov. 5), JYP notice and enlistment details
Koreaboo (Nov. 5), notice wording and fan reaction
GMA News (Nov. 5), JYP statement
TopStarNews (Nov. 5), Lee Know’s August quote and tour dates
Khaleej Times (Aug. 2026), Billboard 200 record
JYP Entertainment, “This & That” music video
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