Lee Know, born Lee Min-ho, serves as a primary driver of the global success achieved by the K-pop group Stray Kids. Born on October 25, 1998, in Gimpo, South Korea, he entered the music industry through an unconventional path involving years of professional backup dancing and an elimination setback on a television survival program. Today, he stands as a main dancer, vocalist, and cultural presence, balancing chart-topping musical releases with international fashion ambassadorships.
Understanding his trajectory requires looking past standard pop idol narratives. His journey involves intense physical training, a high-stakes television survival arc, and an artistic evolution that defines modern performance standards in South Korea's entertainment sector.
Early Life and Background in Dance
Before entering the trainee system at JYP Entertainment, Lee built his foundation as a professional dancer. Growing up in Gimpo, he discovered an interest in choreography during middle school after watching dance clips online. This spark turned into a disciplined routine, leading him to train at Seoul's Souldance Studio for five years.
To fund his training and equipment, he took on multiple part-time jobs while attending Gimpo Jeil Technical High School, where he studied computer science. His raw skill earned him spots in local dance crews, most notably performing under the crew name Cupcakes. This underground and commercial dance background set him apart from peers who entered agencies with zero prior experience.
His professional breakthrough came when he was hired as a backup dancer for BTS during their Wings Tour in early 2017. Sharing stages with established performers gave him firsthand exposure to large-scale concert production, shaping the stage presence he later brought to his own group.
The JYP Training and Survival Show Trial
Lee initially auditioned for JYP Entertainment in 2015. When he didn't receive an immediate callback, he kept refining his craft. The agency finally brought him in as a trainee on July 15, 2017.
His trainee period was unusually brief. Just months after joining the company, he was selected to join an unreleased boy group project on a survival reality show titled Stray Kids on Mnet. The program aimed to test the chemistry and readiness of trainees through rigorous monthly evaluations and live missions.
The pressure proved immense. During the fourth episode of the show, evaluation judges cut Lee from the lineup due to occasional missteps in stability and vocal confidence under high stress. Rather than folding, he used the elimination as a turning point. Agency producer Park Jin-young ultimately offered him and fellow eliminated member Felix a second chance during the finale. Viewer voting and executive consensus finalized a nine-member lineup, securing his spot in the final group.
Rise to Fame with Stray Kids
Stray Kids officially debuted on March 25, 2018, with the mini-album I am NOT, featuring a distinct, self-produced hip-hop and electronic sound. Within the group, Lee quickly solidified his role as a core anchor of the dance line, often grouped into the unofficial sub-unit Danceracha alongside Hyunjin and Felix.
As the group grew from domestic rookies into international sensations, his artistic portfolio expanded:
- Chart Dominance: He contributed to consecutive Billboard 200 number-one albums, including ODDINARY, MAXIDENT, 5-STAR, and ROCK-STAR.
- Solo and Unit Tracks: He released solo and collaborative tracks through the SKZ-PLAYER and SKZ-RECORD platforms, including "Limbo" and "Drive" with group leader Bang Chan.
- Television Hosting: He expanded his public profile by serving as a fixed master of ceremonies (MC) for MBC's music program Show! Music Core from 2021 to 2023.
His performance style relies on sharp execution, spatial awareness, and facial control, allowing him to anchor complex formations even during physically demanding choreography blocks.
Beyond Music: Fashion, Philanthropy, and Personal Life
As his career matured, his influence extended into fashion and philanthropy. In June 2025, Gucci officially appointed him as a Global Brand Ambassador. This partnership highlighted his distinct visual aesthetic and high-fashion adaptability, positioning him front-row at major international fashion events.
He maintains an active philanthropic record. In February 2024, he became the youngest member inducted into the Bob Pierce Honor Club through World Vision after donating 100 million won to global food crisis response initiatives. His donations have routinely targeted climate-affected regions and international disaster relief efforts, such as earthquake recovery programs in Turkey and Syria.
Away from the spotlight, he is well-known among fans for his candid personality and his affection for his three rescue cats: Soonie, Doongie, and Dori. These cats, which reside with his family, frequently feature in his online broadcasts and vlogs.
What Lies Ahead
Entering his late twenties, Lee remains a central pillar of Stray Kids' ongoing world tours and album releases. While many K-pop idols eventually pivot exclusively into solo acting or variety television, his trajectory points toward an expansion of his creative control over choreography and production within the group, alongside high-end editorial campaigns.
His transition from a backup dancer in Gimpo to an internationally recognized performer underscores a career built on persistence rather than overnight luck. As the group continues to headline major stadiums worldwide, his role as a primary performer ensures his enduring influence on modern pop culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lee Know's actual birth name?
His birth name is Lee Min-ho. He adopted the stage name Lee Know to avoid confusion with other prominent public figures in the South Korean entertainment industry sharing his birth name.
When did Lee Know debut with Stray Kids?
He officially debuted with Stray Kids on March 25, 2018, following the release of their debut mini-album I am NOT under JYP Entertainment.
Did Lee Know work with other groups before Stray Kids?
Yes. Before joining JYP Entertainment as a trainee, he worked professionally as a backup dancer, most notably performing on BTS's Wings Tour in 2017.
What are Lee Know's primary roles in Stray Kids?
Within the group, he functions as a main dancer and vocalist. He is also recognized as a member of the internal dance-focused sub-unit Danceracha.
Does Lee Know have any solo music releases?
While he primarily performs on group tracks, he has released several solo and unit songs through official digital platforms, including his self-composed track "Limbo" and collaborative singles like "Drive".
