If you’re a Stray Kids fan, you’ve likely heard the news: Lee Know will leave the group temporarily in 2025. Maybe you’re concerned, confused, or just want facts to reassure yourself about what’s next. Lee Know isn’t leaving due to drama, health, or a sudden career change. He’s fulfilling South Korea’s mandatory military service, just like thousands of male celebrities before him.
Start by understanding that this is a legal responsibility for all healthy Korean men. K-pop idols, actors, and even athletes all step back from their careers to serve. Let’s break down exactly why Lee Know’s leaving, what military service involves, how Stray Kids will adapt, and what you can expect during his time away.
Reason for Departure: Fulfilling His Duty
You might wonder if Lee Know is retiring, facing group issues, or heading for a new solo start. The answer is nothing dramatic or worrisome—just obligation. Lee Know is leaving Stray Kids due to mandatory military service, required by South Korean law for male citizens.
No official posts, interviews, or statements point to reasons like health problems, personal disputes, or big life changes (like marriage). If you’re hearing rumors, treat them for what they are—noise. The record is clear: Lee Know is simply doing his part, as every able-bodied South Korean man must.
Next steps for Lee Know don’t involve quitting music or leaving fans behind. Service is temporary, and he’s expected to resume his career when he returns.
Mandatory Military Service in South Korea: What Does It Mean?
Start by learning what “military service” means in a Korean context. South Korea requires all able-bodied men—typically before age 30—to join the armed forces. This law exists due to ongoing security demands in the region. No exceptions for fame or fortune.
The typical service period lasts from 18 to 21 months. Assignments vary. Most serve in the army, but some are assigned to the navy, air force, or public service sectors.
Consider this: G-Dragon, EXO’s D.O., Shinee’s Minho, and countless other K-pop stars have taken the same break. If you’re launching a business or side project in Korea, always plan for the impact of employees’ military service, especially in entertainment.
For K-pop idols, the break can seem long—but it’s part of the routine. Usually, companies and fans support their artists through letters, care packages, and online messages.
How Lee Know’s Service Will Affect Stray Kids
You’ll also want to know: what does Lee Know’s absence mean for Stray Kids? While one member leaves for nearly two years, the group doesn’t pause its entire operation. Instead, members regroup, adjust, and find creative ways to keep momentum.
Here’s what often happens, step-by-step:
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Redistributed roles: Remaining members cover Lee Know’s lines, dance parts, and fan activities.
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Continued content: Stray Kids’ agency will plan new music, variety shows, and promotions with the rest of the team.
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Fan engagement: Expect more interactive content—online fan meetings, video logs, and special projects.
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Solo and sub-unit projects: While Lee Know’s away, individual members might release solo songs, unit tracks, or other special work.
For example, EXO continued with sub-unit promotions while members served. BTS planned solo projects and continued group branding through non-musical content. You can expect similar strategies from Stray Kids. They’ll keep fans engaged and the group’s identity strong.
Start by following Stray Kids’ platforms for real-time updates. Companies usually announce schedules, so you won’t be left guessing.
Return and Future Prospects: What Happens After Service?
Once Lee Know finishes his 18–21 months of service, what can you expect? Start by understanding that mandatory duty is not a career ender. K-pop history shows dozens of examples—artists return and often enjoy a fresh wave of support and creative energy.
For Lee Know, rejoining Stray Kids is the plan unless he publicly states otherwise. Companies typically prepare a comeback, new album, or a reunion event to welcome the artist back. Think of it as a homecoming, not a farewell.
Pro tip: If you’re in a business that faces similar gaps—like key staff taking parental leave or a co-founder on sabbatical—start planning ahead for reintegration. A simple way to maintain momentum is to keep everyone in the loop and schedule catch-up sessions.
You can track upcoming comebacks and Lee Know’s post-service updates on official Stray Kids social media channels or reputable K-pop media. Read more about how other businesses manage key absences at Business Benching. Their playbooks offer practical frameworks for smooth transitions—much like what entertainment agencies do in these scenarios.
What Fans Can Do: Supporting Lee Know and the Group
You might feel anxious about the pause, but there are active ways to support Lee Know and Stray Kids. Start by:
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Sending letters: During service, many idols receive mail. Always check agency rules for what you can send.
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Supporting group activities: Stream new Stray Kids releases, attend online events, and participate in fan projects. This helps show continued group support.
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Respecting privacy: Avoid speculating about military assignments or service details. Respect boundaries so Lee Know can focus on his duty.
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Promoting positivity: Combat rumors by spreading confirmed information and upbeat messages in fan communities.
Consider this: some fan clubs arrange group support events—like donation drives or coordinated trending hashtags—to keep the community active and positive. For example, when SHINee’s Onew enlisted, fans trended messages of support and donated to charities in his honor.
Think about how you can play a part, even if it’s just by sending a kind message or streaming a new song on release day.
Common Questions About Idols and Military Service
Before you finalize your view, it’s helpful to tackle common questions:
- Is there a way for idols to avoid service? No. Only medical or legal exemptions apply, and these are rare.
- How does this affect the group’s contracts? Most companies build military service into contracts, so group activities continue or pause as needed.
- Do all members go at once? It depends. Some groups stagger service; others send members at the same time to regroup faster.
This style of planning gives you a template for minimizing disruption in your own projects or teams when key people need to step away.
Planning for Absences: A Playbook for Entrepreneurs
Military service for idols is a vivid example of managing temporary talent absences in high-pressure environments. Apply these lessons to your project or business:
- Plan for gaps: Create a coverage plan—who steps in, what tasks shift, how you’ll keep things moving.
- Communicate openly: Share reasons for the absence, set expectations, and explain next steps clearly to fans or stakeholders.
- Celebrate returns: Schedule a re-entry plan—catch-up meetings, welcome-back promotions, or launch events.
- Document processes: A process guide or checklist helps your team continue the work, even with someone missing.
Start by defining your core business activities, then decide who can cover each one if someone is away. Think like a K-pop agency balancing creativity, branding, and team unity.
Conclusion: Stay Positive—This Is Just a Pause, Not an End
Lee Know’s temporary departure from Stray Kids in 2025 is a legal and cultural norm, not a crisis. Take comfort knowing he’s not leaving due to drama, hidden issues, or retirement. He’s simply completing a chapter every South Korean male must.
Follow group updates, support with positivity, and treat this as an opportunity for both Lee Know and Stray Kids to grow. Once validated by service completion, expect an exciting return and renewed creativity.
If you’re managing a venture or team, learn how to plan for seasons of absence and return. Support your members, keep communication open, and celebrate reunions when the time comes.
Let this chapter inspire your approach to planning, teamwork, and resilience—whether in music, business, or your next big project. Pro tip: Sometimes, a pause is the best way to come back stronger than ever.
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