Stray Kids Lose Their First Member to Military Service as Lee Know Heads Out in 2027

Stray Kids' Lee Know will begin his military service in the first quarter of 2027, JYP Entertainment announced on the 5th, and the agency didn't say what form that service will take. He's the first member of the group to enlist.

The notice landed as a surprise, and JYP said so itself, asking STAY (the fandom) for "kind understanding" over the sudden timing. Lee Know may miss some activities scheduled for the quarter. Before he goes, the agency says, he plans to meet fans through "various content and individual projects." What those are, JYP didn't specify. Further details that can't be shared yet will come in a separate notice.

Why 2027, and why now

Lee Know was born in 1998 and turns 29 in Korean age counting in 2027, which is when his obligation comes due. He debuted with Stray Kids in 2018. The group has hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 nine times in a row, a run that has them recorded as the act with the most chart-topping albums of the 21st century.

That's a lot of momentum to pause around, and a first-quarter start leaves a short runway. Fans noticed. The timing of the announcement is a big part of the reaction below.

What theqoo users said

1. 1

   So the '98 line is enlisting now.

2. 2

   98-liners are turning 30? What is happening.

3. 3

   Stray Kids are enlisting now, too. This is so sad.

4. 4

   Why is he leaving already?

5. 5

   This hits close to home. I think it might happen to my bias soon as well. Is he doing any solo activities before he leaves, or is that still unknown?

6. 6

   Damn, the time has come. Six years ago I told a friend, "What will I do when they have to go to the military? It'll be so sad," and they said it was still a long way off. Now here we are.

7. 7

   Beginning of next year means there's not much time left. It's Stray Kids' turn to enlist, too.

8. 8

   Next year means only two months left. Boohoo.

9. 9

   I feel so strange about this.

10. 10

    Looks like they couldn't get any more extensions.