Stray Kids are gearing up for a massive summer with their highly anticipated new mini album, THIS & THAT, set to drop on August 7. But amidst the excitement, the group has also opened up about a topic that sends shivers down the spines of many fans: military enlistment.
Stray Kids’ Big Comeback and Tough Conversations
The comeback marks the group’s first album in nine months and is accompanied by a new world tour announcement. This double dose of good news has STAYs worldwide buzzing with anticipation for fresh music and the chance to see their idols live.
However, a recent interview promoting the album brought a more somber note to the surface. When asked about their future enlistment plans, Lee Know, the oldest Korean member at 27, addressed the topic with characteristic maturity. He responded that he sees military service as a natural responsibility.
I believe fulfilling the duty of national defense is natural. If I am called upon, I will faithfully carry out my assigned duties. We haven’t discussed specific plans for our activities during our military hiatus, but what is certain is that we will all come back together.
Since there are a lot of fans who will be waiting for us, I want to repay the love we have received from them. If you wait just a little longer, we will be back soon.
— Lee Know
For those unfamiliar, in South Korea, all able-bodied men are generally required to complete around 18 to 21 months of mandatory military service, depending on their branch of service. Most idols enlist before the legal deadline, which is tied to their age, although the exact timing varies by individual circumstances. This is a reality every K-Pop group with Korean members eventually faces.
The Road Ahead: Military Service for Stray Kids
Stray Kids debuted in 2018 through JYP Entertainment‘s survival show of the same name and have now spent more than eight years together as a group. With Lee Know and fellow Korean members nearing enlistment age, fans know the group’s military era is no longer a distant possibility. The bond between Stray Kids and STAYs has only grown stronger over these years, making the prospect of a temporary hiatus particularly emotional.
It’s important to note that not all members are subject to this requirement. Meanwhile, Bang Chan and Felix, who hold Australian citizenship, are not subject to South Korea’s mandatory military service. This will undoubtedly impact the group’s activities during any potential enlistment period.
STAYs React: Bittersweet Emotions and Reassurance
Lee Know’s comments quickly spread across social media, where many fans praised his mature outlook while admitting they were emotional about the group’s eventual hiatus. His calm and responsible approach resonated deeply, even as it highlighted the bittersweet reality.
Rather than questioning the members’ decision to serve, most fans said they were simply saddened by the thought of spending years without full-group promotions. The void left by even one member, let alone multiple, is a difficult prospect for any fandom.
Just shoot me it will hurt less 🥺😭 pic.twitter.com/ElFnV68Y3O
— ༺𝙍𝙄𝘼 & 𝙏𝙃𝘼𝙏༻ (@kw2urstrwbrry) August 6, 2026
everytime he talks about military,, my heart stops for a sec bcs well,, its sucks,, but then I know I’ll find comfort & reassurance in his answers ….
sure ill miss them like hell but ill wait patiently too 😔❤️🩹 https://t.co/9eNUogMUgg
— 𝓑 — ౨ৎ‧₊˚ (@ninoononie_) August 6, 2026
been a stay for almost nine years and have biased lee know just as long. the members serving military is inevitable we all know that but i do get a bit sad and nervous thinking about them not being… there 😭 https://t.co/FZdWRL1cqz
— syd ∞⁸ (@_Cursed_Love_) August 6, 2026
However, there was a significant silver lining. Many also said Lee Know’s promise that Stray Kids would reunite after their service gave them some reassurance. This pledge offers hope and comfort, reminding fans that this is a pause, not an end.
“we will all come back together for sure”
our stray kids will always be 8 🥹 https://t.co/JeEC1rr5bl— aleyna & that (@rachaflex) August 6, 2026
they will definitely come back together to us 🥹 https://t.co/9X22eSmHnE
— 𝐦𝐣 & 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 (@gnabnahc97chris) August 6, 2026
As Stray Kids embark on this new chapter, balancing the excitement of new music and tours with the inevitable discussions of the future, STAYs will undoubtedly continue to support them through every step.
