In a concerning turn of events, Stray Kids' main dancer Lee Know sustained an injury during one of the group's biggest nights. The performer sprained his ankle while delivering a high-energy set at the 2025 MAMA Awards in Hong Kong, casting uncertainty over the band's immediate schedule.
The Incident and Immediate Aftermath
The injury occurred on November 29, 2025, at Hong Kong's Kai Tak Stadium, where Stray Kids performed for a crowd of 35,000 fans. Demonstrating immense professionalism, Lee Know, whose real name is Lee Min-ho, completed the entire performance without showing visible signs of distress. The group powered through signature tracks, including the new album title 'Chk Chk Boom'.
However, the pain became apparent immediately after the show concluded. The 26-year-old idol received on-site treatment before the group's flight back to South Korea. The following day, on November 30, he was seen arriving at Incheon International Airport in a wheelchair. A tender moment where fellow member Felix fixed his hair in the airport line quickly spread online, sparking global concern among the STAY fandom.
Official Statement and Recovery Timeline
JYP Entertainment released an official confirmation regarding the injury. The agency stated that Lee Know sustained an ankle sprain and has undergone a medical examination. The company emphasized that the artist will follow the medical team's advice for "appropriate treatment and sufficient rest."
While the statement confirmed he would take an extended period of rest, no specific timeline was provided for his return to official activities. This has left fans and industry watchers speculating about the impact on the group's packed schedule.
Career Highs Overshadowed by Injury
The timing of the injury is particularly poignant, as it comes during a monumental week for Stray Kids. The group's latest album, 'Do It', achieved staggering sales, moving 2.2 million copies in just seven days. Days later, it claimed their historic eighth consecutive number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
At the very MAMA Awards where the injury took place, the eight-member group swept major honours. They won the Album of the Year award for their previous release 'ATE', cementing their status as the dominant force in K-pop for 2024. Lee Know, who joined JYP in July 2017 as the last trainee selected for the group, has been a pivotal part of this journey, serving as main dancer and sub-vocalist.
Implications for the Massive World Tour
The injury raises significant questions about Stray Kids' ambitious 'dominATE World Tour'. The tour is scheduled to hit six major European stadiums in July 2025, including iconic venues like London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Paris's Stade de France.
These concerts are known to be physically gruelling, typically lasting three hours and featuring demanding choreography across more than 30 songs. Lee Know's precision dance skills are considered crucial for performing intense signature tracks like 'God's Menu' and 'Thunderous'. His potential absence could force major logistical changes.
Fans worldwide have flooded social media with recovery wishes, praising the dedication of the former BTS backup dancer who performed through pain at one of K-pop's most prestigious annual events. The global STAY fandom now awaits further updates on his health and the tour's status.
