Stray Kids' Lee Know to begin military service in early 2027

JYP Entertainment confirmed that Stray Kids member Lee Know will enlist for mandatory military service in the first quarter of 2027, making him the first official member of the group to receive an enlistment timeline. The agency noted that his service may affect some scheduled activities but that Lee Know will remain connected with fans through content and personal projects before enlisting.

Quick Facts

Lee Know announced to begin mandatory military service
First Stray Kids member with confirmed enlistment timeline
May be unable to participate in some Q1 2027 activities
Will maintain fan connection through content and personal projects before enlistment
Lee Know (Lee Min-Ho)

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JYP Entertainment announced on November 5, 2026, that Lee Know, a member of Stray Kids, will fulfill his mandatory military service in the first quarter of 2027. The agency stated that his enlistment may affect some of the group's scheduled activities during that period, but Lee Know plans to maintain connection with fans through various content and personal projects before his departure.

Lee Know, born Lee Min-Ho in October 1998, is the first member of Stray Kids to receive an official enlistment timeline. Under South Korea's conscription law, all able-bodied male citizens are required to complete approximately 18 months of military service before reaching age 30. JYP emphasized that additional details about the enlistment would be shared as they become available.

The announcement comes as Stray Kids prepares for performances at Tokyo Dome on November 6–8, 2026, as part of their World Tour. The group, which debuted in 2018, has eight members: Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N. Bang Chan and Felix hold Australian citizenship and are exempt from South Korean military service.

Other members will face similar obligations in coming years. Changbin, born in 1999, is expected to be among the next to enlist, while Hyunjin, Han, and Seungmin were all born in 2000, and I.N in 2001. JYP requested continued fan support for Lee Know and the group during this period and thanked STAY (the official fan name) for their understanding.

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#K-pop #JYP Entertainment #Stray Kids #Lee Know #military service #South Korea #enlistment

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Why This Matters

Lee Know's confirmed Q1 2027 enlistment marks a measurable scheduling impact for Stray Kids' touring and content calendar over the next 12 months. His ~18-month absence will reduce the group's full-lineup availability; subsequent members (Changbin in ~2027–2028, Hyunjin/Han/Seungmin/I.N through 2028–2031) face staggered obligations under South Korea's conscription law. Fans and promoters must adjust tour/release planning; JYP's advance notice allows for contingency scheduling and alternative content strategies.

Timeline & Sources

Jan 1, 2018

Wire

Stray Kids debuted under JYP Entertainment

Nov 5, 2026

Wire

JYP Entertainment announces Lee Know's military service enlistment for Q1 2027

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