It's the question that keeps every STAY up at night. You’re watching a Stray Kids “SKZ-CODE” episode, laughing at Lee Know being his usual chaotic self, and then it hits you. The looming shadow of the South Korean military. Honestly, it’s a bit of a mood killer. But with 2026 officially here, the timeline is getting tighter.
The big question: When will Lee Know go to the military?
Technically, he hasn't gone yet. As of early 2026, Lee Know is still very much active with Stray Kids. He’s been busy performing at major events like Le Gala des Pièces Jaunes and gearing up for what fans hope is another massive world tour. But the clock is ticking.
Lee Min-ho—our beloved Lee Know—was born on October 25, 1998. In South Korea, the law generally requires able-bodied men to enlist by the time they turn 28. Since he hits that 28-year milestone in October 2026, the window for postponement is basically slamming shut.
He has to go. Eventually.
Most K-pop idols from the '98 line are currently in the thick of it or already have their dates set. We’ve seen members of other groups like SEVENTEEN and NCT start their journeys. For Lee Know, the absolute latest he could likely push his enlistment would be some time in 2027, though many industry insiders and eagle-eyed fans expect an announcement late this year.
Why he can't skip it (and who can)
It’s kinda confusing if you aren't familiar with how the citizenship thing works in SKZ. You've probably noticed that Bang Chan and Felix don't seem worried. That’s because they are Australian citizens. They don't have to serve.
Lee Know, however, is a South Korean citizen born in Gimpo. He is 100% required to serve.
There was a lot of talk about the "BTS Law" a couple of years back. That law allowed certain high-profile artists to delay service until age 30. To qualify, you usually need a recommendation from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. While Stray Kids’ global impact is massive, JYP Entertainment hasn't officially confirmed if Lee Know is utilizing that specific extension or sticking to the standard age 28 deadline.
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What happens to Stray Kids when he leaves?
When will Lee Know go to the military? If it happens in late 2026 or early 2027, he’ll be the first member of Stray Kids to enlist. This is a huge deal. He’s the main dancer and the "Mom" of the group (in his own savage way).
Here is the thing. Stray Kids is a group of eight. Even without Lee Know, the group can keep moving. We’ve seen this with other groups like EXO or BTS—members go in waves, and the others release solo music or work in sub-units.
- The Buddy System: Korea allows friends to enlist together sometimes. While it's speculative, some think Lee Know and Changbin (born in 1999) might go around the same time to minimize the "gap" years for the group.
- Solo Era: We might get more "Lee Know Ri Bang" style content or even a solo debut before he heads out.
- Pre-recorded Content: JYP is famous for filming a mountain of content before an idol leaves. You’ll probably still see his face on YouTube for months after he’s actually in a uniform.
Acknowledging the "Military Band" Rumors
Some fans have wondered if he’ll join the military band. It’s a popular choice for idols because they get to keep playing music. However, the cutoff for the military band is often earlier than the general draft. If he waits until the very last minute (age 28), he might end up in regular active duty.
Active duty for the Army is about 18 months.
That is a long time. A year and a half without his weird cat-logic and incredible stage presence feels like forever. But it’s a rite of passage every male Korean idol (who isn't exempt) faces.
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Real talk: Don't believe everything on TikTok
You’ve probably seen those "breaking news" videos with sad music saying he's leaving tomorrow. Ignore them. Until you see an official statement on FANS or JYP’s official Twitter (X) account, it isn't real.
The South Korean Military Manpower Administration (MMA) doesn't just leak dates to random fansites. Lee Know himself will likely be the one to tell us through a Bubble message or a live stream when the time actually comes. He's always been pretty direct with STAYs.
Actionable insights for fans preparing for the news:
- Save your coins: If there’s a final "OT8" tour before the first enlistment, tickets will be harder to get than ever.
- Support solo projects: When the enlistment era begins, the members will likely focus on individual work. This is the best time to show the world that they are strong as individuals, not just as a group.
- Stay calm: Enlistment isn't the end. Every major group has gone through it. It’s just a long hiatus for one member at a time.
- Watch the birthdays: Keep an eye on October 2026. If we get through his 28th birthday without an announcement, he likely secured an extension.
The reality is that 2026 is the year the conversation turns into a countdown. Whether it’s late this year or early next, Lee Know’s service is coming. For now, let’s just enjoy the "ATE" era and whatever else the kids have in store for us.