Lee Know Scheduled for Military Enlistment in 2027
Stray Kids member Lee Know will begin his mandatory military service in the first quarter of 2027, JYP Entertainment announced on November 5. The agency stated that the singer, born on October 25, 1998, will be the first member of the group to fulfill this requirement for South Korean male citizens.
In a formal notice released that day, JYP Entertainment wrote, “We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all STAY for your unwavering love and support throughout Stray Kids’ journey since their debut.” The agency added, “We understand that this news may come as a surprise to many STAY, and we appreciate your kind understanding.” The announcement noted that Lee Know may be unable to participate in some group activities scheduled for the first three months of 2027. JYP Entertainment confirmed that he will continue to engage with fans through individual activities and content prior to his departure date.
리노 병역 이행 및 향후 스케줄 관련 안내 Notice Regarding Lee Know’s Military Service and Upcoming Schedule 안녕하세요, JYPE 입니다. Stray Kids 결성 이후 지금까지 변함없이 과분한 마음 보내주시는 STAY 분들께 항상 감사합니다. 리노는 2027년 1분기 병역 의무 이행을 예정하고…
Impact on Upcoming Tour Schedules
Lee Know will be unable to join the [RUN IT] world tour for any dates scheduled after his enlistment begins in 2027.
Additional details will be provided at a later date.
STAY Fans React to Lee Know's Hiatus News
The announcement prompted a range of responses from the group’s fanbase, known as STAY. While many fans expressed support for the artist, others voiced frustration regarding the timing of the news and the perceived lack of promotional opportunities provided to Lee Know prior to his service.
Social media discourse highlighted concerns regarding the distribution of screen time and opportunities before his hiatus. Some fans expressed disappointment that the group might proceed with international tour legs without all eight members, while others questioned the agency’s management of the group’s activities before the start of the mandatory enlistment cycle. One fan wrote, i hope he knows just how much we love and support…
while others criticized the agency for announcing the enlistment timeline while a second leg of the world tour remains pending.
Frequently Asked Questions About Enlistment
Why is Lee Know the first member of Stray Kids to enlist?
Lee Know is the eldest member of the group required to serve. While other members may be older, Bang Chan is an Australian citizen and is therefore not obligated to fulfill mandatory military service in South Korea.
Will other members of Stray Kids be exempt?
Fans generally expect Felix to be exempt from military obligations, though the agency has not issued specific statements regarding the individual status of every member beyond the current announcement for Lee Know.
JYP Entertainment announces that Stray Kids’ LEE KNOW is scheduled to begin his mandatory military service in the first quarter of 2027. 🇰🇷 We wish him a safe and healthy service! ❤️#StrayKids #LeeKnow #리노 https://t.co/SlGWtlAvKg pic.twitter.com/l3mbqNuh8E
What happens to Stray Kids activities during this period?
JYP Entertainment stated that Lee Know will participate in content and individual activities before his enlistment. The agency will release further information as those details become available.
More on Lee Know
Worth a look