Lee Know: From BTS Dancer To Stray Kids Star - The Full Story!

Prof. Keith Dicki 17 May 2025

Ever wondered what it takes to become a K-pop sensation? The journey to stardom is rarely overnight; it's often paved with years of rigorous training, unwavering dedication, and a dash of serendipity. The story of Lee Know, the multifaceted artist from Stray Kids, exemplifies this arduous yet captivating path.

Lee Know's ascent in the K-pop world is a testament to his innate talent and relentless pursuit of his dreams. His path wasn't always straightforward, but a confluence of events and a spark of opportunity propelled him toward the spotlight. It's a narrative woven with dance, ambition, and the unwavering support of those around him, highlighting the trials and triumphs of becoming a fully-fledged idol.

Category	Information
Full Name	Lee Minho
Stage Name	Lee Know
Birthdate	1998 (Currently 24 years old)
Group	Stray Kids
Position	Main Dancer, Vocalist, Rapper
Agency	JYP Entertainment
Training Period	Approximately 1 year
Education	Gimpo Jeil Technical High School
Martial Arts	Second-degree black belt in Taekwondo and Mixed Martial Arts
Solo Projects	Dawn (choreography), Limbo (solo song), Drive (collaboration with Bang Chan), Cover of DAY6's Love Me or Leave Me
Television Host	Show! Music Core (MBC TV channel, 2021)
Reference	Stray Kids Official Website

Before the dazzling lights and screaming fans, Lee Know honed his craft through years of dedicated training. He started dancing in middle school, a passion that quickly consumed him. This dedication led him to take lessons for five years, solidifying his foundation and preparing him for the demanding world of professional dance. His commitment extended beyond formal training, as he actively sought opportunities to immerse himself in the art form.

The path to K-pop stardom often involves unexpected detours. For Lee Know, one such detour was becoming a backup dancer for the global sensation BTS during their Japan tour. This experience provided invaluable insights into the intricacies of live performances, stage presence, and the demanding schedule of a touring artist. It was a trial by fire, exposing him to the intense pressure and exhilarating energy that define the K-pop industry. This period undeniably shaped his perspective and further fueled his desire to pursue a career on center stage.

Around this time, Lee Know was also part of a successful dance crew, gaining recognition for his talent and performance skills within the dance community. He even participated in dance competitions, pushing his boundaries and showcasing his artistic abilities. His reputation as a skilled dancer began to precede him, capturing the attention of industry insiders. This phase of his career was crucial in refining his skills and gaining the experience necessary to stand out in the highly competitive world of entertainment.

The pivotal moment arrived when JYP Entertainment, one of South Korea's leading entertainment agencies, extended an invitation to audition. This opportunity arose after workers at JYPE sifted through old audition footages from 2017, identifying Lee Know's potential. They reached out to him, inquiring about his continued interest in becoming a trainee. He was surprised by the call, but he swiftly accepted the offer. The timing was particularly opportune, as he had completed his commitments with BTS and graduated from Gimpo Jeil Technical High School.

The audition process proved to be a defining moment, showcasing his raw talent and potential. The judges immediately recognized his capabilities, paving the way for his entry into JYP Entertainment as a trainee. This marked the beginning of an intense training regimen, encompassing vocal lessons, rap practice, and, of course, dance rehearsals. He dedicated up to eight hours a day to honing his skills, driven by a relentless desire to improve and prepare for his debut.

His rapid progress became evident when he passed the dance test in a mere two weeks, a feat that remains the shortest time achieved by any JYP trainee. This accomplishment solidified his position as a promising prospect and further accelerated his trajectory within the agency. He officially became a JYP Entertainment trainee on July 15, 2017, embarking on a journey that would ultimately lead to his debut as a member of Stray Kids.

Lee Know's time as a trainee was relatively brief, lasting approximately one year. Given his extensive dance background and rapid skill development, it seemed that becoming an idol was always within reach. He utilized every opportunity to refine his abilities, absorbing knowledge from instructors and fellow trainees alike. This concentrated period of training transformed him from a talented dancer into a well-rounded performer, capable of captivating audiences with his vocal skills, rap delivery, and dynamic stage presence.

Finally, on March 25, 2018, Lee Know realized his dream and debuted as a member of Stray Kids. He was the last member to join JYP Entertainment, adding his unique flair and dynamic to the group. Stray Kids quickly gained recognition for their innovative music, powerful performances, and strong connection with their fans. Lee Know's contributions as a main dancer and vocalist have been instrumental in the group's success, solidifying his place as a prominent figure in the K-pop landscape.

His journey with Stray Kids has been marked by numerous achievements, including winning the Best Korean Act at the 2020 MTV Europe Music Awards. The group has also participated in Mnet's reality TV competition show, Kingdom, further showcasing their talent and versatility. Lee Know's involvement in these high-profile events has elevated his profile and cemented his status as a leading performer in the industry.

Beyond his group activities, Lee Know has also ventured into solo projects, showcasing his individual artistic capabilities. He has released dance videos he choreographed on the Stray Kids YouTube channel, including "Dawn." Additionally, he has unveiled his solo song, "Limbo," demonstrating his songwriting and vocal abilities. He has also collaborated with Bang Chan on the song "Drive" and performed a cover of DAY6's "Love Me or Leave Me," further highlighting his diverse musical talents.

Lee Know's influence extends beyond the realm of music and dance. In August 2021, he joined Minju as a host of the South Korean music television program "Show! Music Core," which airs on the MBC TV channel. This role allows him to connect with a wider audience and showcase his engaging personality and quick wit.

He has also graced the covers of various fashion magazines, including "W Korea" and "Beauty+," demonstrating his versatility and appeal as a fashion icon. His involvement in these projects reflects his growing influence in the entertainment industry and his ability to connect with audiences on multiple levels.

His personal life, while largely kept private, offers glimpses into his personality and values. Lee Know graduated from Gimpo Jeil Technical High School and, during his trainee period, weighed approximately 145.5 lbs (66 kg). He is not known to be particularly religious and obtained his driver's license in 2022. He is known to have fun and unique personalities. He previously shared a room with Woojin in their old dorm, which was known for being the cleanest room. The arrangement in their new dorm is not explicitly mentioned in the source material.

Interestingly, a friend mentioned that Lee Hyeop from Drippin was also a JYP trainee. Lee Hyeop even auditioned with Stray Kids' Seungmin in 2017 but didn't place in his category, suggesting he became a trainee sometime after that audition.

It is important to acknowledge that the path to becoming an idol is not without its challenges. Idol trainees and idols often miss out on learning everyday skills that ordinary people regularly acquire. This sacrifice underscores the dedication and commitment required to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Preparing to be an idol is inherently risky, demanding immense sacrifices and a relentless pursuit of perfection.

Comparing Lee Know's trajectory to that of other idols provides valuable context. For example, MBLAQ member Thunder started his career as a trainee at 17 and debuted at 19. He later revealed that he lacked basic life skills, such as buying things online or transferring money. Similarly, GSD's Sojin became a trainee after she was already in college, while 2NE1's Dara joined YG Entertainment at 22/23. IZ*ONE's Eunbi became a trainee at Woollim at age 21. G.O.D's Park Joon started creating the group with JYP at age 28, although it's unclear if he was a trainee in the traditional sense.

The narrative surrounding K-pop and the idol training system continues to evolve. Recent controversies, such as singers being accused of plagiarizing Stray Kids' work, highlight the complexities and challenges within the industry. Lee Know remains a central figure in this ever-changing landscape, navigating the pressures and expectations that come with his prominent position.

Lee Know's story, from his early passion for dance to his current status as a celebrated K-pop artist, serves as an inspiration to aspiring performers worldwide. His dedication, resilience, and unwavering pursuit of his dreams have propelled him to the forefront of the industry. As he continues to evolve and innovate, Lee Know's impact on the world of music and entertainment is sure to endure.

Born and raised in South Korea, Lee Know received immense love and support from his parents, who recognized his early interest in dance and music. They provided him with excellent training in both art forms, laying the foundation for his future success. This support system has been instrumental in shaping his career and allowing him to pursue his passion without reservation.

He is known by his stage name Lee Know. Was Han jealous of him at the time because Han thought very highly of himself and thought that he was really good looking, so when Lee Know walked in, he was jealous and thought woah, someone.

Lee Know auditions for JYP Entertainment and is accepted as a trainee. He is a vocalist and rapper for Stray Kids. Before debuting he was a backup dancer for BTS. His full name is Lee Yongbok or Lee Felix. He was a trainee at JYP for 1 year. He is known for his extremely deep voice and is the most popular member. He is a member of the boy group Stray Kids.

From October to December 2017, he participated in the survival show Stray Kids, aiming to debut. He was eliminated early on but was brought back for the finale when the group got to perform both with and without the members. Stray Kids will be participating in Mnet's reality TV competition show, Kingdom, scheduled to air on 1 April 2021. Lee Know is 22 and known to be single. He has toured with his boy band in different countries such as Japan and the USA.

Lee Know is a Korean pop singer and dancer who became famous as one of the members of the band Stray Kids. He was asked to perform for the company in order to become a trainee, and the rest is history. He trained for about 2 years and 2 months before debuting. While living in the United States, Joshua once attended an event in Koreatown, where he played his guitar. Already a talented singer and musician, an agent at Pledis Entertainment.

Lee Know is a main dancer and also contributes vocally to all their albums. In August 2021, Lee Know joined Minju as. Lee Know in May 2024.