Stray Kids’ Lee Know will begin his mandatory military service in the first quarter of 2027, JYP Entertainment announced on November 5, making him the first of the group’s nine members to enlist.
JYP posted the notice, titled “Lee Know’s Military Service and Upcoming Schedule,” on Stray Kids’ official social media accounts on Wednesday afternoon, according to a report by Star News. The announcement came as a surprise to fans, with no prior indication of a date from the agency.
Lee Know is scheduled to begin fulfilling his military service obligation in the first quarter of 2027, and he may be unable to take part in some of the group’s schedules planned for that period. Before his enlistment, he plans to meet STAY, the group’s fandom, through various content and solo activities.
In the full statement, JYP said: “Lee Know is scheduled to fulfill his military service obligation in the first quarter of 2027. As a result, Lee Know may be unable to participate in some of the schedules planned for the first quarter of 2027, but he plans to meet STAY through various content and solo activities before his enlistment.”
The agency continued: “We ask for STAY’s generous understanding regarding this sudden announcement. Details that are difficult to share at this time will be announced through a separate notice at a later date. We ask for your continued love and support for Lee Know and Stray Kids’ activities going forward.”
Lee Know, 28, whose real name is Lee Min-ho, had already spoken about his military service earlier this year. At a press conference in August marking the release of a new album, he said he considers national defense duty a given and would carry out the obligation faithfully. He also said that while he had not spoken in detail about what comes after the group’s military hiatus, one thing was certain: Stray Kids would come back together.
Stray Kids consists of nine members: Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N. Bang Chan and Felix are Australian nationals. Lee Know’s announcement makes him the first of the group to begin his service, opening a new chapter as its members reach enlistment age one by one.
JYP has not yet shared an exact enlistment date or details about where Lee Know will serve, saying further information will be announced separately.
