Lee Felix is the Australian-born dancer, rapper, and vocalist of the global South Korean boy band Stray Kids. If you're wondering how old he is, Felix was born on September 15, 2000. He is currently 26 years old.
The competitor page from the District of Elkford stumbles right out of the gate by listing his birth date as March 22, 2000—confusing him with fellow Stray Kids member Hyunjin—and relies on awkward, hallucinated filler. We're setting the record straight with precise biographical facts, a breakdown of his career chronology, and the specific milestones that shaped his rise in JYP Entertainment.
Early Life and Background
Felix was born and raised in Seven Hills, a suburb of Sydney, Australia. His parents are of Korean descent, and he grew up with an older sister named Rachel and a younger sister named Olivia.
Before moving to South Korea, he attended St Patrick's Catholic College in Sydney, where he was heavily involved in sports, particularly swimming and taekwondo. He won numerous medals at school swimming carnivals, showing a competitive athletic drive that later translated into his intense stage stamina.
Joining JYP Entertainment
In 2016, a casting director from JYP Entertainment contacted Felix through social media after seeing him at a local dance event in Australia. Initially hesitant because he was still in high school, he decided to audition in Sydney.
After passing, he packed his bags and moved to Seoul in early 2017. He faced massive challenges right away. He spoke English fluently but knew very little Korean, making daily trainee life and communication with instructors grueling. His journey wasn't smooth: during the filming of the 2017 Mnet survival reality show Stray Kids, he was actually eliminated in the eighth episode due to language barriers and live performance mistakes.
Producer Park Jin-young gave him a second chance, bringing him back for the final mission. That lifeline led directly to his debut.
Stray Kids Debut and Career Timeline
Felix officially debuted as a member of Stray Kids on March 25, 2018, with the release of their debut mini-album I am NOT and its title track "District 9."
- 2018 (Debut Year): Felix stepped out as a sub-rapper and dancer. His surprisingly deep, resonant bass voice—which contrasted sharply with his youthful appearance and bright freckles—became an instant trademark of the group's early tracks like "God's Menu."
- 2019-2020 (The Breakthrough): Stray Kids gained massive international traction with the Clé album series and their 2020 studio album Go Live, featuring the explosive hit "God's Menu." Felix's iconic opening line in the song cemented his viral appeal.
- 2021-2022 (Global Dominance): The group won the survival show Kingdom: Legendary War, followed by chart-topping releases like Noeasy and Oddinary, which debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200. Felix began contributing more heavily to songwriting and unit tracks, such as "Muddy Water."
- 2023-Present (High Fashion and Solo Impact): Felix expanded his global footprint by becoming a brand ambassador for Louis Vuitton, attending major fashion weeks in Paris. He also made headlines for his philanthropic work, donating significant funds to UNICEF to support children in Laos.
Physical Attributes and Unique Position
Standing at roughly 171 cm (5 feet 7 inches), Felix is known for his striking visuals, distinct facial structure, and natural freckles, which K-pop idols traditionally cover up with heavy makeup. By embracing his natural look, he helped shift beauty standards within the Korean entertainment industry.
His dual persona—sweet and gentle off-stage, fierce and commanding on-stage—drives much of his massive fan following, known as STAY.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Felix's real Korean name?
His Korean name is Lee Yong-bok, which he occasionally uses affectionately or in personal settings, though he goes professionally by Felix Lee or simply Felix.
Can Felix speak fluent English?
Yes. Because he was born and raised in Sydney, Australia, English is his native language. He frequently communicates with international fans in English during live broadcasts and interviews.
What is Felix's specific role in Stray Kids?
He serves as a lead dancer and rapper. While his deep voice stands out in tracks, his intricate choreography and stage presence anchor many of the group's high-intensity dance breaks.
Has Felix released any solo music?
While he hasn't debuted as a traditional solo artist with a dedicated album, he has released solo tracks and unit songs through Stray Kids' SKZ-RECORD and SKZ-PLAYER series, including his self-composed song "Deep End."
