Stray Kids’ military-service era is getting closer, and a new announcement from JYP Entertainment has given fans their first official indication of when one of the group’s members will begin fulfilling his mandatory duty. The development also raises questions about how the group’s activities could change as it approaches 2027.
The announcement follows comments Lee Know made just months earlier about military service and the future of Stray Kids. While the singer had already expressed his willingness to fulfil his responsibility, JYP’s latest notice has now provided a clearer timeline, along with an important update about his upcoming activities with STAY.
JYP Entertainment Announces Lee Know’s Military Enlistment Plans for 2027
JYP Entertainment officially addressed Lee Know’s military-service plans on November 5, 2026, confirming that the Stray Kids member is scheduled to fulfil his mandatory military service during the first quarter of 2027.
The announcement is particularly significant because Lee Know becomes the first Stray Kids member whose military-service schedule has been officially announced by the agency.
In its notice, JYP thanked STAY, the group’s dedicated fandom, for continuing to support Stray Kids since their debut. The company then shared the update about Lee Know’s upcoming service and explained that his enlistment could affect his participation in certain activities scheduled for early 2027.
The agency stated:
“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.”
JYP also acknowledged that the announcement might come as a surprise to fans and requested their understanding.
The company added that information that cannot currently be disclosed will be announced separately when further details become available.
Although the notice establishes an important timeline, it does not provide every detail surrounding Lee Know’s upcoming enlistment.
South Korea’s Military-Service Policy Debate
Military service is becoming an important issue for K-pop and South Korean entertainment as Stray Kids approaches its first officially announced enlistment. Readers can also follow our South Korea Asian Games military-service benefits report for a broader look at military-service policy.
When Will Stray Kids’ Lee Know Enlist in the Military?
One of the biggest questions following JYP’s announcement concerns Lee Know’s exact enlistment date.
For now, the first quarter of 2027 is the only officially confirmed timeframe. JYP Entertainment has not revealed the specific day on which the singer will enter military service.
The agency has also not disclosed which particular form of military service he will perform. Its November 5 statement confirms his scheduled mandatory service but does not provide additional information about his service arrangement.
This distinction is important because the announcement has already prompted interest in Lee Know’s upcoming schedule, but a specific enlistment date or service arrangement should not be treated as confirmed without an official update.
There is also no complete list of the activities he might miss.
JYP has only stated that Lee Know may be unable to participate in some activities planned for the first quarter of 2027. The company has not identified particular concerts, performances, broadcasts, album promotions or other scheduled events that could be affected.
In other words, the announcement confirms a potential change to Lee Know’s individual participation rather than declaring a complete halt to Stray Kids’ activities.
Lee Know Previously Addressed Military Service at August 2026 Press Conference
Interestingly, JYP’s November announcement follows a public discussion in which Lee Know had already addressed the subject of military duty.
During a press conference for Stray Kids’ mini album THIS & THAT on August 6, 2026, the singer was asked about the military-service period approaching for the group.
His response reflected his straightforward attitude towards the responsibility.
Lee Know said:
“I think military duty is only natural. If I am called, I will faithfully carry out my duty.”
His comments offered fans an indication of how he viewed the upcoming obligation, even though JYP had not announced an official timeframe for his service at that point.
Lee Know also discussed the group’s future once its members begin fulfilling their respective military responsibilities.
He explained that the members had not discussed their post-service album activities in detail. However, he expressed confidence that Stray Kids would eventually come together again.
His August remarks now provide additional context for the November announcement. At the time, he was speaking about military duty as an approaching responsibility. JYP has since confirmed that his service is planned for the first quarter of 2027.
However, Lee Know’s comments should not be interpreted as confirmation of a particular future album, concert or reunion date. No such schedule has been announced.
Why Lee Know Is the First Stray Kids Member With an Official Enlistment Schedule
Born on October 25, 1998, Lee Know is the oldest member of Stray Kids who is subject to South Korea’s mandatory military-service requirements.
His age and upcoming service make the November announcement an important moment in the group’s timeline.
With JYP officially confirming his plans, Lee Know becomes the first Stray Kids member to have a military-service schedule publicly announced by the agency.
However, the announcement does not establish an enlistment timetable for the remaining members.
Stray Kids consists of eight members:
- Bang Chan
- Lee Know
- Changbin
- Hyunjin
- Han
- Felix
- Seungmin
- I.N
JYP’s November 5 notice did not include specific military-service dates for any of the other seven members.
Consequently, it would be premature to suggest that their enlistment schedules have been finalised or that the agency has confirmed a complete timeline for the group.
For now, Lee Know’s planned service is the only officially announced military-service schedule within Stray Kids.
Lee Know Will Continue Connecting With STAY Before His Enlistment
While the military-service announcement marks a significant upcoming change, JYP has also made an effort to address what fans can expect before Lee Know’s departure.
According to the agency, the singer will continue meeting and connecting with STAY through various content and individual activities before his enlistment.
This means his remaining schedule before entering military service is not necessarily limited to group activities.
However, JYP has not provided a complete list of his upcoming individual projects or appearances. Specific activities should therefore not be attributed to the agency unless they are announced separately.
The company has also encouraged fans to continue supporting Lee Know and Stray Kids throughout their upcoming activities.
For STAY, this provides some clarity about the period leading up to his enlistment, even as questions remain about his exact schedule.
What Lee Know’s Military Service Means for Stray Kids’ 2027 Activities
Lee Know’s planned enlistment is expected to become an important scheduling consideration for Stray Kids in early 2027.
However, JYP’s wording leaves room for the group to continue its activities while accounting for his military-service commitments.
The agency has confirmed that Lee Know may be unable to participate in some activities scheduled during the first quarter of 2027. It has not announced that Stray Kids will suspend group promotions or stop working during that period.
There has also been no official announcement of a cancelled album release, postponed tour or suspended group schedule because of his service.
Similarly, JYP has not identified which concerts, performances, broadcasts or other activities could take place without Lee Know.
Until the company provides further information, the precise effect of his enlistment on Stray Kids’ 2027 schedule remains unclear.
The important distinction is that Lee Know’s military service has been confirmed, but the group’s wider activity arrangements have not been announced.
Stray Kids’ Journey From 2017 Formation to Their 2026 Activities
Lee Know’s upcoming enlistment also marks a new chapter for a group that has continued to grow since its formation.
Stray Kids was formed through JYP Entertainment’s 2017 survival programme Stray Kids. Although the group was established in 2017, its official debut took place in March 2018.
Lee Know, whose birth name is Lee Min-ho, joined the group during its pre-debut period and has remained one of its eight members throughout its subsequent international growth.
In 2026, Stray Kids continues to remain active under JYP Entertainment.
The group released its mini album THIS & THAT in August 2026, while its official website also lists preparations surrounding 2027 Season’s Greetings and other recent activities.
These developments provide context for the timing of the military-service announcement. The group continues to have activities planned as it approaches 2027, even as Lee Know prepares for his upcoming obligation.
His August comments about the members eventually coming together again also remain relevant to the conversation surrounding the group’s future. Nevertheless, neither Lee Know nor JYP has announced a detailed post-service album or reunion schedule.
Key Details About Lee Know’s Military Enlistment
The currently confirmed information surrounding the announcement can be summarised as follows:
| Detail | Confirmed information |
| Artist | Lee Know (Lee Min-ho) |
| Group | Stray Kids |
| Agency | JYP Entertainment |
| Date of announcement | November 5, 2026 |
| Birth date | October 25, 1998 |
| Expected military-service period | First quarter of 2027 |
| Exact enlistment date | Not announced |
| Specific service arrangement | Not announced |
| Potential impact | May miss some first-quarter 2027 activities |
| Activities before enlistment | Various content and individual activities |
| Other members’ enlistment dates | Not announced |
Another WINNER Military-Service Story
Lee Know’s announcement also provides a useful point of comparison with other K-pop artists whose military service has affected their group activities. Fans can explore our WINNER Mino military case and P.O. Marine Corps story for another K-pop military-service update.
Conclusion: Lee Know’s 2027 Enlistment Opens a New Chapter for Stray Kids
Lee Know’s planned military service marks an important transition for Stray Kids as the group approaches 2027. Following months of discussion about the members’ eventual military responsibilities, JYP Entertainment has now officially confirmed the first quarter of 2027 as the expected period for Lee Know’s service.
For now, the agency has assured fans that he will continue connecting with STAY through various content and individual activities before enlistment. Although some early 2027 activities may take place without him, no wider suspension of Stray Kids’ activities has been announced.
Lee Know had already expressed his willingness to fulfil his military duty and confidence that the members would come together again. As fans await further updates, his exact enlistment date, service arrangement and the group’s specific plans during that period remain unanswered.
The next major update will come when JYP Entertainment releases further details about Lee Know’s enlistment and Stray Kids’ early 2027 schedule.
Source and Research Disclaimer: This article has been prepared based on research of the sources provided, including JYP Entertainment’s official Stray Kids website and reports from Soompi, Hankook Ilbo, ORICON NEWS, Newsis and ChosunBiz. It reflects the information available in those sources at the time of writing. Details concerning Lee Know’s exact enlistment date, military-service arrangement and future Stray Kids activities remain subject to further official announcements
Sources
- JYP Entertainment’s official Stray Kids website
- Soompi: Stray Kids’ Lee Know Announces Plans For Military Enlistment
- Hankook Ilbo: Lee Know to fulfill military duty in the first quarter of 2027
- ORICON NEWS: Stray Kids’ Lee Know to fulfill military duty in first quarter of 2027
- Newsis: Stray Kids’ Lee Know to fulfill military service in first quarter of 2027
- ChosunBiz: Lee Know discusses military duty at August 2026 press conference
Featured Image Credit: K-POPIT / CC BY 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
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