Stray Kids’ Lee Know Will Begin His Mandatory Military Service in 2027

The time many K-pop fans dread has arrived for 4th-gen boy group Stray Kids × About group Stray Kids Stray Kids is an eight-member self-producing boy group known for intense performances, experimental sound, and powerful rap lines. Tap again to view profile → Close . 

On Nov. 5, JYP Entertainment announced that member Lee Minho, better known by his stage name, Lee Know × Artist bio Lee Know Real name: Lee Min-hoPosition: Dancer, Vocalist, RapperNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1998-10-25Birthplace: Gimpo, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea Dancer and vocalist of Stray Kids. Lee Know is playful and teasing with members, but very serious about dance, with a straightforward and sometimes savage sense of humor. Tap again to view profile → Close , will begin his mandatory military service in 2027. The full notice read:

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"Hello, this is JYPE.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all STAY for your unwavering love and support throughout Stray Kids' journey since their debut.

Lee Know is scheduled to fulfill his mandatory military service in the first quarter of 2027. As a result, he may be unable to participate in some of the activities scheduled for the first quarter of 2027. However, prior to his enlistment, he will continue to connect with STAY through various content and individual activities.

We understand that this news may come as a surprise to many STAY, and we appreciate your kind understanding. Additional details that cannot be shared at this time will be announced separately when they become available. 

We hope you will continue to show your unwavering love and support for Lee Know and Stray Kids in their upcoming activities.

Thank you."

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In South Korea, able-bodied men aged 18-28 (with some special cases allowing postponement until age 30) must serve in the country’s conscription system for at least 18 months. The law was signed in 1949 and formally implemented in 1957 to defend themselves against North Korea following the end of the Korean War. 

Lee Know, who was born in 1998, will be the first member of Stray Kids to begin his service. Though leader Christopher Bang (Bang Chan × Artist bio Bang Chan Real name: Christopher BangPosition: Leader, Producer, Vocalist, Rapper, DancerNationality: Korean-AustralianBirthday: 1997-10-03Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea / raised in Sydney, Australia Leader and producer of Stray Kids. Tap again to view profile → Close ) is the oldest out of the group (1997), his Australian citizenship exempts him from these requirements. Lee Yongbok (Felix × Artist bio Felix Real name: Lee Yong-bokPosition: Dancer, RapperNationality: Korean-AustralianBirthday: 2000-09-15Birthplace: Sydney, Australia Rapper and dancer of Stray Kids. Felix is warm and gentle, famous for his deep voice contrasted with soft, sweet behavior and love for baking and fans. Tap again to view profile → Close ), Stray Kids’ other Aussie member, is also exempt.

Enlistment plans for Seo Changbin × Artist bio Changbin Real name: Seo Chang-binPosition: Rapper, Vocalist, ProducerNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1999-08-11Birthplace: Yongin, South Korea Rapper and producer of Stray Kids. Tap again to view profile → Close , Kim Seungmin × Artist bio Seungmin Real name: Kim Seung-minPosition: Main VocalistNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 2000-09-22Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea Main vocalist of Stray Kids. Seungmin is diligent, polite, and straightforward, with a calm personality, strong work ethic, and clear vocal tone. Tap again to view profile → Close , Han × Artist bio Han Real name: Han Ji-sungPosition: Rapper, Vocalist, ProducerNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 2000-09-14Birthplace: Incheon, South Korea Rapper and vocalist of Stray Kids. Han is energetic, witty, and talkative, with a mix of comedic personality and serious focus on music and producing. Tap again to view profile → Close Jisung, Hwang Hyunjin × Artist bio Hyunjin Real name: Hwang Hyun-jinPosition: Main Dancer, Rapper, VisualNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 2000-03-20Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea Main dancer and visual of Stray Kids. Hyunjin is emotional and expressive, both in dance and personality, with a sensitive, artistic side. Tap again to view profile → Close , and Yang Jeongin (I.N × Artist bio I.N Real name: Yang Jeong-inPosition: Vocalist, MaknaeNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 2001-02-08Birthplace: Busan, South Korea Maknae of Stray Kids. I.N is the bright, slightly shy maknae with a growing confidence, known for his improving vocals and cute, earnest personality. Tap again to view profile → Close .), have not been announced.