As Stray Kids continue their global rise, fans have begun asking an inevitable question: when is Lee Know going to the military?
Born in 1997, Lee Know (real name: Lee Minho) is now at an age where South Korea’s mandatory military service is becoming a realistic topic.
In this article, we break down what is known so far about Lee Know’s military service, possible enlistment timing, whether any Stray Kids members are exempt, and how the group’s career factors into the discussion.
When Is Lee Know Going to the Military?
So, when is Lee Know going to the military exactly?
As of now, no official enlistment date has been announced by JYP Entertainment or Lee Know himself. However, based on South Korea’s military system and industry patterns, we can make an informed estimate.
All Korean men receive their first physical examination notice at age 19. This exam determines fitness levels, but does not require immediate enlistment. Lee Know, now 27, would have completed this process years ago, though his results have never been made public.
Why 2026 Is Considered the Most Likely Year
Industry watchers widely believe that Lee Know’s military service will begin in 2026. The reasoning is straightforward:
This pattern allows idols to complete service and return before their early 30s, which is considered the most common and strategic timing.
Why Fans Expected a 2025 Enlistment
There was significant speculation that Lee Know might enlist sometime in 2025. This was largely due to Stray Kids approaching their contract renewal period.
K-pop contracts typically last seven years, and enlistment often overlaps with renewal decisions. For a time, fans debated whether Lee Know would enlist first or renew his contract first. Ultimately, Stray Kids renewed with JYP Entertainment, and no 2025 enlistment announcement followed—making 2026 the more realistic scenario.
What Is Lee Know’s Enlistment Deadline?
Under standard rules, Korean men must enlist by age 28. However, globally recognized artists can receive postponements until age 30 under what fans often call the “BTS Law,” officially applied to distinguished cultural contributors.
Given Stray Kids’ international success, Lee Know could legally delay enlistment until around 2028, though this depends on government approval and agency decisions.
This means that while when is Lee Know going to the military remains unanswered officially, the window realistically falls between 2026 and 2028.
What Happens During the Physical Examination?
At age 19, Korean men undergo a placement exam that evaluates height, weight, eyesight, and overall health. Results are graded from Level 1 to Level 7:
Some celebrities have received exemptions due to health issues, but Lee Know has never disclosed any condition that would suggest exemption.
Are Any Stray Kids Members Exempt From Military Service?
Yes—Stray Kids does include members who are not required to enlist.
Bang Chan
The group’s leader holds Australian citizenship, which exempts him from South Korea’s mandatory military service. His continued presence is seen as a stabilizing factor for the group during future enlistments.
Felix
Felix is also an Australian citizen, despite having Korean heritage. Like Bang Chan, he is not subject to enlistment. Given his popularity in Japan and the U.S., some fans speculate about solo activities during other members’ service periods.
Stray Kids’ Career So Far
Stray Kids debuted in 2017 and entered their eighth year in 2025. Known as a self-producing group, core members Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han are heavily involved in songwriting and production.
Their achievements include:
This level of global recognition strengthens the possibility of enlistment postponement for members like Lee Know.
Conclusion
So, when is Lee Know going to the military?
While there is no official confirmation yet, the most credible scenario points to a 2026 enlistment, with the possibility of postponement until 2027 or 2028.
Lee Know did not enlist in 2025, despite earlier speculation, and continues full activities with Stray Kids following their contract renewal. As always, fans are encouraged to rely only on official announcements and avoid unverified rumors.
Military service is a challenging but inevitable chapter for Korean idols. Until that time comes, Lee Know’s performances and contributions to Stray Kids remain firmly in the spotlight.
