Stray Kids member Lee Know is preparing to begin his mandatory military service in the first quarter of 2027. JYP Entertainment officially announced the news on November 5, confirming that the singer may be unable to participate in some of the group's scheduled activities during the same period.

The announcement makes Lee Know the first Stray Kids member to begin his military service. While the news may affect the group's activities next year, the agency has assured fans that he will continue connecting with STAY through various content and individual activities before his enlistment.

JYP Entertainment Confirms Lee Know’s Military Enlistment Plans

On November 5, JYP Entertainment shared an official notice regarding Lee Know's upcoming military service. The agency confirmed that the 28-year-old singer is scheduled to fulfil his mandatory service during the first quarter of 2027. The announcement also clarified that Lee Know may miss some activities planned for the group during that period. However, JYP has not announced an exact enlistment date or provided further details about his military assignment.

In its statement, the agency thanked STAY, Stray Kids' official fandom, for their continued support since the group's debut. It also acknowledged that the announcement might come as a surprise to fans and requested their understanding. JYP added that any additional information that cannot be shared at present will be announced separately when it becomes available. For now, the confirmed timeline remains the first quarter of 2027.

Lee Know Will Continue Individual Activities Before Enlistment

Although his military service is approaching, Lee Know will not immediately step away from his professional commitments. According to JYP Entertainment, he will continue meeting fans through different content releases and individual activities before enlisting.

This means STAY can expect opportunities to see the singer through his solo schedules and group-related content during the remaining period before his service begins. However, the agency has not revealed a detailed schedule of his upcoming appearances.

The announcement is particularly significant because Lee Know has been an important part of Stray Kids' performances and activities. His absence from some first-quarter schedules could bring temporary changes to the group's appearances, although JYP has not outlined how those activities will be managed. The agency's statement primarily focuses on keeping fans informed while confirming that Lee Know intends to remain connected with them before his enlistment.

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Lee Know Becomes the First Stray Kids Member to Enlist

Born on October 25, 1998, Lee Know, whose real name is Lee Min-ho, will be the first member of Stray Kids to fulfil South Korea's mandatory military service requirement. The singer previously addressed the subject during a press conference in August 2026, held in connection with the group's mini-album THIS & THAT. At the time, he said that he considered national defence a natural responsibility and would faithfully fulfil his duty when called upon.

He also reassured fans about the group's future, expressing confidence that Stray Kids would reunite after the members completed their military obligations. His earlier comments had already indicated that he was prepared for this stage of his career. Lee Know's enlistment will mark an important transition for the group, as other members will also have to navigate their respective military-service requirements in the coming years.

Lee Know
Image Source: X

What Lee Know’s Enlistment Means for Stray Kids

Stray Kids currently consists of eight members: Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin and I.N. Lee Know's upcoming enlistment will be the group's first experience of temporarily adjusting its activities around a member's military service.

Bang Chan and Felix hold Australian citizenship, while the remaining members have their own individual circumstances and future obligations to consider. However, JYP Entertainment has not announced any broader military-service schedule for the group.

For Lee Know, the coming months will provide an opportunity to complete his scheduled commitments and share content with fans before beginning his service. The exact date of enlistment, duration of service and further details remain unconfirmed.

Final Take

Lee Know's 2027 military enlistment marks a significant moment for Stray Kids and their fans. Although the singer may miss some group activities during the first quarter of next year, JYP Entertainment has confirmed that he will continue individual activities and connect with STAY before joining the military. Fans will now be waiting for the agency's next announcement regarding his enlistment details.

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