Born on October 25, 1998, Lee Know is 28 years old. He is best known as a main dancer, vocalist, and rapper for the global K-pop group Stray Kids. Before stepping into the spotlight under JYP Entertainment, his path to a professional career involved rigorous training, early television elimination setbacks, and a stint working behind the scenes as a background dancer.
Understanding his trajectory requires looking past common misconceptions—such as internet rumors incorrectly tying him to other groups like BTS—and examining how a dedicated trainee from Gimpo, South Korea, carved out a distinct identity in modern pop music.
Early Life and Dance Foundations
Lee Min-ho grew up in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, as an only child. His interest in performance sparked during middle school after he watched a dance video online. What started as simple curiosity quickly turned into professional ambition. He enrolled in local dance academies and spent years refining his technique, balancing school with intense physical conditioning.
Before landing a spot with an agency, he worked multiple part-time jobs to fund his training and transportation. His talent eventually caught the eye of industry scouts, leading him to audition. He joined JYP Entertainment in July 2017. His training period was notably brief compared to many of his peers, lasting only a few months before he was thrust into a high-stakes survival reality program. For another perspective on this development, refer to the recent update from E! News.
The Survival Show and Stray Kids Debut
In late 2017, JYP Entertainment launched a reality survival show titled Stray Kids to form a new boy band. Lee Know participated as a contestant alongside other trainees. Despite his strong technical foundation, he faced immense pressure. During the fourth episode, mistakes during evaluations led to his elimination from the lineup.
Rather than giving up, he continued practicing. In the finale episode, executive producer Park Jin-young brought him back alongside another eliminated member, giving the group a second chance to debut as a complete nine-member unit.
- March 25, 2018: Officially debuted with Stray Kids through the release of their first mini-album, I Am Not.
- DanceRacha Sub-Unit: Positioned alongside members Hyunjin and Felix as the core trio driving the group's intricate choreography.
- Musical Growth: Expanded his role beyond dancing to contribute vocals and songwriting credits registered with the Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA).
Transition from Backup Dancer to Frontline Star
A frequent point of discussion among fans is his pre-debut work. Before his official agency contract, Lee Know worked professionally as a backup dancer, performing on concert tours and appearing in music videos—including work associated with major acts like BTS.
Viewing major stadium stages from the background served as a turning point. Experiencing the energy of live crowds firsthand solidified his desire to stand at the center of the stage as a primary artist. This background gave him a unique perspective on stage presence, spatial awareness, and stamina, which he later brought into Stray Kids' intense performances.
Solo Ventures and Television Hosting
Beyond group releases, he has built an independent presence through television hosting and fashion.
- Music Show Hosting: From August 2021 to November 2023, he served as a fixed Master of Ceremonies (MC) for MBC's weekly music program Show! Music Core.
- Fashion Ambassadorship: He has represented luxury houses at international events, attending Milan Fashion Week as a guest for Gucci.
- Personal Projects: Through the group's digital channels, he has released solo tracks and vlogs, giving fans a deeper look into his creative output outside of group albums.
More details on his ongoing schedule can be found on the Official Stray Kids Website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lee Know's real name?
His birth name is Lee Min-ho. He uses the stage name Lee Know to avoid confusion with other prominent public figures in the South Korean entertainment industry who share his name.
Was Lee Know a member of BTS?
No. Lee Know is exclusively a member of Stray Kids. He worked briefly as a pre-debut backup dancer, which often leads to inaccurate online rumors connecting him to other groups.
What is his role in Stray Kids?
He operates primarily as a main dancer within the group's performance line, while also contributing vocals and rap verses to their discography.
Does he write his own music?
Yes, he is an official copyright holder with KOMCA and has contributed to writing and recording unit tracks or solo releases featured on Stray Kids' albums and digital platforms.
For additional official updates on music releases and broadcast appearances, check the JYP Entertainment Portal.
