Stray Kids’ Lee Know is preparing to begin his mandatory military service in the first quarter of 2027, JYP Entertainment has officially confirmed. The announcement marks the beginning of the group’s enlistment period and could affect its scheduled activities during the opening months of next year.
In a statement released on November 5, the agency explained that Lee Know may be unable to participate in some Stray Kids activities planned for the first quarter of 2027 because of his upcoming enlistment. However, the singer will continue connecting with fans through various content and individual activities before beginning his service.
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“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,” JYP Entertainment stated. The company also acknowledged that the news could come as a surprise to STAY, thanking fans for their understanding and promising to share additional details when they become available.
The announcement makes Lee Know the first current Stray Kids member with an officially confirmed military enlistment timeline. As of November 5, none of the other members have announced specific dates for their service, although several will face the same obligation in the coming years.
Born in October 1998, Lee Know is approaching the age at which South Korean men typically complete their mandatory military duties. Under South Korea’s conscription system, eligible men are generally required to serve approximately 18 months, although the duration varies depending on the military branch. His enlistment will therefore represent a significant transition for the group, which has maintained an active international schedule since its 2018 debut.
Among the remaining members, Changbin, born in 1999, is expected to be among the next to face enlistment requirements. Hyunjin, Han and Seungmin were all born in 2000, while I.N was born in 2001. None of them have received publicly announced enlistment schedules so far.
Bang Chan and Felix, meanwhile, hold Australian citizenship and are exempt from South Korea’s mandatory military service requirements.
Photo: JYP Entertainment
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