Is Lee Know Going to the Military?
Lee Know, a member of the popular K-pop boy group Stray Kids, has been making headlines with rumors swirling around his possible military service. As the eldest member of the group, he is now within the legal age to receive his call-up notice to serve the country. But will Lee Know actually answer the call to military duty?
Current Military Service Obligations in South Korea
In South Korea, all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 28 are required to complete their military service. The military service duration for men is between 18 months to 27 months. The timing of their service depends on their marital status, as married men are usually discharged earlier. Women, on the other hand, are exempt from military service unless they want to enlist voluntarily.
Lee Know’s Eligibility for Military Service
Born on October 25, 1998, Lee Know is now 23 years old. Since he is still within the legal age, he should receive his military call-up notice soon. However, as a popular K-pop idol, there is no guarantee that he will get an exemption. In K-pop, where idol schedules are often over-packed and demanding, delaying military service is not common, and many fans believe Lee Know will follow his group schedule.
Comparison to Fellow Stray Kids Members
Lee Know is not alone in his position. Many K-pop idol groups are facing the dilemma of fulfilling their military duties while continuing their music careers. Let’s take a look at how Lee Know’s group, Stray Kids, compares to others:
| Group | Birthdate (Age) |
|---|---|
| Lee Know (Stray Kids) | 1998 (23) |
| Bang Chan (Stray Kids) | 1997 (25) |
| Taehyun (Tomorrow X Together) | 2000 (22) |
| Soo-young (Girls’ Generation) | 1990 (33) |
| Jinho (DAY6) | 1994 (29) |
| Jaehyun (NCT 127) | 1999 (23) |
| Yo-han (THE BOYZ) | 1999 (23) |
| Won-woo (SEVENTEEN) | 2000 (22) |
It’s essential to note that some of these idols may have finished their military service or still have a year or more before their conscription dates. Idols nearing their conscription age, like Lee Know, have a higher probability of entering the military shortly.
Possible Exemption Routes for Lee Know
If Lee Know does indeed receive a military call-up notice, there are few options to consider for his possible military service:
Option 1: Direct Military Enrollment
Lee Know could immediately enlist in the military upon receiving his notice. However, this choice might jeopardize his future music career, as idols often take longer to gain recognition and fans after an extended hiatus due to military service.
Option 2: Social Service Program
Another potential path Lee Know could explore is joining the Public Service (Social Service) program, which is reserved for singers, actors, and artists. Duration is between 18 and 23 months, significantly shorter than the typical military service.
Public Service Program Qualifications:
- Korean citizenship
- Born on or before December 31, 1999 (as Lee Know was)
- Unable to fulfill active military duties due to severe health problems or exceptional hardship
- Artists, intellectuals, and other individuals required for specific social services (such as education, cultural events, or research)
- High school graduates
- Completing 60 days of basic military training
To be considered for the public service program, Lee Know would need to provenly demonstrate exceptional cases, making it an even more competitive and challenging pathway.
Conclusion
Based on his age and circumstances, Lee Know might be obligated to serve his military duties. Despite rumors, he has not announced any explicit plans to either enlist in the military directly or opt for the public service program. As the most senior member of Stray Kids, Lee Know should receive a call-up notice soon.
Fans worldwide remain divided over Lee Know’s military plans, with many supporting their idol’s patriotism and considering his potential temporary hiatus acceptable. Other K-pop idols are tackling similar concerns, and many have adjusted their schedules while fulfilling their military duties successfully.
Whatever Lee Know chooses, one thing is for sure – his dedication to his career and the emotional support he receives from his fans will be crucial to his well-being during these challenging times.
