Stray Kids' Lee Know to Begin Military Service in Early 2027

Lee Know of K-POP boy group Stray Kids is set to begin his mandatory military service next year.

His agency, JYP Entertainment, announced on Nov. 5 that Lee Know is scheduled to begin his service in the first quarter of 2027.

"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," the agency said.

"However, prior to his enlistment, he will continue to connect with STAY through various content and individual activities," it added.

"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," JYP Entertainment said. STAY is the group's official fandom.

Born in 1998, Lee Know will be the first Stray Kids member to fulfill his mandatory military service. The exact date his service will begin and the type of service he will undertake have not yet been announced.

Lee Know previously spoke about his military service at a press conference for the group's EP "THIS & THAT" in August.

"I believe military service is a duty we are expected to fulfill," he said at the time. "When I am called upon, I will carry out my duty faithfully."

He added that the group had not yet discussed its plans in detail for the period following his military service. "What is certain is that the members will come back together," he said. "If you wait just a little while, I'll be back soon."

Stray Kids earned its ninth No. 1 on the Billboard 200, the main U.S. album chart, with "THIS & THAT," released in August. The group is currently on its "RUN IT" world tour and is scheduled to perform at Tokyo Dome in Japan from Nov. 6 to 8.