Honestly, if you've been on "Stay-Twitter" or TikTok lately, you've probably seen those heart-wrenching edits of Lee Know waving goodbye with a buzzcut. It’s enough to make any fan panic. But before you start stocking up on tissues for a 2026 departure, we need to look at the actual math and South Korean law.
There is a lot of noise out there. Some people say he’s going tomorrow; others think he has years left. The truth is somewhere in the middle, and it mostly comes down to a specific birthday and a very strict 28-year-old cutoff.
When will Lee Know come back from military duty?
To figure out when he comes back, we first have to pinpoint when he actually has to leave. Lee Know (Minho) was born on October 25, 1998. In South Korea, the current law generally requires men to enlist by the end of the year they turn 28.
For Minho, that big "28" happens in October 2026.
Now, he doesn't necessarily have to vanish the day he blows out his candles. Typically, idols wait until the last possible moment to maximize their career peak—and let’s be real, Stray Kids is peaking right now. If he enlists in late 2026 or even early 2027, you’re looking at an 18-month clock.
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If we assume a late 2026 enlistment:
- Enlistment Date: Roughly October–December 2026.
- Service Length: 18 months (Standard Army/Marines).
- Estimated Return: Mid-to-late 2028.
It feels like forever. I get it. But compared to the old days when service was nearly three years, 18 months is basically a long vacation... sort of.
The "2026" Rumor Mill vs. Reality
Why is everyone specifically talking about 2026? It's because of that age limit. Unlike BTS, who received a special "Cultural Merit" extension to wait until 30, most K-pop groups have to stick to the 28-year rule.
As of early 2026, Lee Know is still very much active. Stray Kids has been booked busy with events like Le Gala des Pièces Jaunes and rumors of a massive world tour continuation. JYP Entertainment hasn't dropped an official notice yet, and they usually only do that a few weeks before the actual date.
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One thing to keep in mind: South Korea’s military isn't just one branch. If he joins the Army or Marines, he's out in 18 months. If he chooses the Navy (20 months) or the Air Force (21 months), that "when will Lee Know come back" date pushes even further into 2028. Most idols pick the Army because it’s the fastest way back to the stage.
Will the group enlist together?
This is the million-dollar question. Stray Kids is in a unique spot because they have two members—Bang Chan and Felix—who don't have to serve at all. Since they are Australian citizens, they stay behind.
There’s been a lot of talk among fans about whether the "Korean line" will enlist in pairs to keep the hiatus short.
- The Hyung Line: Lee Know ('98) and Changbin ('99) are the first up.
- The '00 Line: Hyunjin, Han, Felix (Exempt), and Seungmin.
- The Maknae: I.N. ('01).
If Minho goes alone in late 2026, the group can technically keep promoting as seven. But if he and Changbin go together, the "Lino-Bin" void will be massive. Some fans actually hope they all go at once (minus the Aussies) so the group can be "OT8" again by 2028. It's a "rip the Band-Aid off" strategy.
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What happens to his career while he’s gone?
Don't expect total silence. JYP is a well-oiled machine. They’ve likely already recorded solo songs, "SKZ-Records," and pre-shot variety content to sprinkle out while he’s wearing camo. We saw this with BTS and Wonho; the content doesn't stop, it just shifts.
He might even end up in the Military Band, which means we’d get photos of him performing at army festivals. Honestly, seeing Lee Know in a dress uniform playing an instrument? That might be the only silver lining here.
Your Enlistment Survival Guide
If you're stressing, don't. Here is the realistic timeline to keep in your notes:
- Watch for the "Enlistment Notice": JYP will post a formal notice on Fan-subs/Twitter. Until that happens, any "confirmed date" you see is probably clickbait.
- The 18-Month Rule: Once he goes, set your timer for 547 days. That’s the standard count.
- Check the Birthdays: Changbin is next. If you see Changbin and Lee Know doing a lot of "final" solo content together, that’s your signal that the enlistment is near.
- Support the Sub-Units: While the Korean members serve, expect Bang Chan and Felix to carry the torch with solo projects or sub-unit releases with whichever members are still around.
The most important thing to remember is that 2026 isn't the end. It's just a pause. With the way Stray Kids' contracts and popularity are looking, they aren't going anywhere. Minho will be back, probably with even broader shoulders and a lot of stories about military food, ready to judge the members' dancing once again.
Keep an eye on official JYP announcements toward the end of 2026. That’s when the "official" countdown truly begins.