SEOUL, South Korea — Stray Kids member Lee Know is set to become the first member of the popular K-pop boy band to begin his mandatory military service, with JYP Entertainment confirming his scheduled enlistment for the first quarter of 2027.
The agency announced the milestone on November 5, noting that the 28-year-old idol’s upcoming service could temporarily impact his availability for group commitments early that year.
“Lee Know is scheduled to fulfill his mandatory military service in the first quarter of 2027.”
According to JYP Entertainment, the singer “may be unable to participate in some of the activities scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.” Despite the scheduling changes, the agency assured fans that Lee Know will maintain engagement through various individual activities and pre-recorded content prior to his official induction.
Addressing the fandom, the agency stated:
“We understand that this news may come as a surprise to many STAY [fans], and we appreciate your kind understanding. Additional details that cannot be shared at this time will be announced separately when they become available.”
Since debuting in 2018 alongside bandmates Bang Chan, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N., Lee Know has helped propel Stray Kids to global prominence as one of K-pop’s leading acts. Under South Korea’s military service laws, able-bodied men are required to fulfill mandatory service obligations.
JYP Entertainment has not yet disclosed the exact enlistment date or specific plans for group promotions during Lee Know’s absence.