JYP Entertainment has announced that LEE KNOW of Stray Kids will begin his mandatory military service period during the first quarter of 2027.

The news was shared on Stray Kids’ social media on November 5, the agency explaining that LEE KNOW may be unable to participate in some of the group activities planned for the beginning of next year, likely due to preparations.

“We understand that this news may come as a surprise to many STAY, and we appreciate your kind understanding,” the statement reads. “We hope you will continue to show your unwavering love and support for Lee Know and Stray Kids in their upcoming activities.”

LEE KNOW turned 28 last month, and therefore is approaching the limit of the military enlistment age threshold. K-pop idols typically delay their enlistment until that limit in order to spend as long as possible promoting, and in some cases can request to extend the threshold to the age of 30 if the government deem their contribution to the country significant enough. Most, however, are expected to enlist at around the age of 28.

Still, LEE KNOW’s enlistment does come as a shock to fans, only a week on from his birthday. It was expected that he would complete his current touring run with Stray Kids prior to enlisting, pushing the announcement back by at least several months. The group kicked off their ‘<RUN IT> World Tour’ in Seoul in July before slowly moving across Japan, and are scheduled to perform in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Taipei, Bangkok, and Singapore between this November and March 2027.

Though it is currently unclear when exactly LEE KNOW will enlist, JYP Entertainment stating that “additional details that cannot be shared at this time will be announced separately when they become available,” it is possible that he will now be unable to perform at some of the later, already announced stops as well as any further tour legs.

LEE KNOW is the first member of Stray Kids to enlist. As the group’s second oldest member after Australian citizen BANG CHAN, he is the first to be eligible and will begin the series of enlistments anticipated throughout the next year or so. CHANGBIN, HYUNJIN, HAN, SEUNGMIN and I.N are all eligible, listed here in age order.

Stray Kids have seen widespread success over the past few years, recently achieving their ninth consecutive number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 with their 10th mini album THIS & THAT. The streak places them alongside The Rolling Stones, tied for the second-most number ones in history behind The Beatles, and leading amongst K-pop groups. They have also seen global success with their ‘<dominATE> World Tour,’ Latin America festival tour ‘STRAYCITY’, and the sold-out five-show opening stint of ‘<RUN IT>’. With multiple members expected to enlist soon, now earlier than first assumed, their upcoming activities and eventual group hiatus will test whether the popularity of Stray Kids can be sustained.

Further information regarding LEE KNOW’s enlistment and the enlistment of the remaining Stray Kids members will be shared by JYP Entertainment at a later date.