Fans of Stray Kids have staged a protest outside JYP Entertainment's headquarters in Seoul, sending dozens of funeral wreaths to express their dissatisfaction with the agency's handling of member Lee Know's upcoming military enlistment.
On 10 November, photographs circulating across South Korean online communities and social media showed rows of funeral wreaths lining the exterior of JYP Entertainment's building in Seoul's Gangdong District.
The wreaths carried messages criticising the agency's management, including calls for the director of One Label, the division responsible for Stray Kids, to resign. Some ribbons reportedly displayed messages reading "The One Label director must resign" and "Dissolve One Label".
The demonstration follows JYP Entertainment's announcement on 5 November that Lee Know will begin his mandatory military service in the first quarter of 2027, making him the first Stray Kids member to enlist.
In its official statement, the agency explained that Lee Know may be unable to participate in some group activities during that period but would continue connecting with fans, known as STAY, through individual activities and various content ahead of his enlistment.
JYP Entertainment also acknowledged that the announcement may have come as a surprise to fans, adding that his exact enlistment date and further scheduling details would be shared at a later date.
However, some fans have expressed frustration over what they perceive as insufficient domestic activities before Lee Know begins his military service.
According to reports, much of the criticism centres on the absence of an announced farewell concert or final performance for Korean fans, particularly as the group's overseas concert and touring activities continue.
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Some supporters have questioned why no dedicated domestic farewell event has been confirmed, arguing that fans in South Korea should have an opportunity to see Lee Know perform before his military hiatus.
The timing of other promotional activities, including video call fan signing events and schedules involving newer artists under the agency, has reportedly added to the frustration among some fans, who believe greater attention should be given to Lee Know's remaining activities.
The protest also appears to reflect broader dissatisfaction with the agency's management of Stray Kids, particularly regarding domestic promotions and communication with fans.
According to Korean media reports, these concerns had been building before the enlistment announcement, with the latest developments prompting some supporters to take their criticism beyond social media and directly to the agency's headquarters.
Funeral wreaths now stand outside JYP Entertainment's headquarters. The message accompanying them is unmistakable: dissolve One Label and have its department head step down. This protest comes after years of frustration, repeated disappointment and a continued failure to properly manage LeeKnow's career. With his military enlistment approaching, there is still no clear news or announcement regarding individual promotions or any meaningful plans to support his career before his departure. Another valuable opportunity is slipping away, and the company has given us little reason to believe it intends to do anything about it. Time and time again, concerns have been raised, only to be met with silence and inaction. Patience has run out. This situation cannot continue to be ignored, and those responsible cannot keep avoiding accountability. Enough is enough.
— linogram (@leeknowsaurus98) November 10, 2026
Reactions to the funeral wreath protest have also been mixed online, with some supporters expressing sympathy for the concerns over Lee Know's remaining activities, while others have questioned the appropriateness of using funeral wreaths as a form of protest.
Lee Know, who was born in October 1998, debuted as a member of Stray Kids in 2018. His upcoming enlistment will mark the beginning of the group's military service period, although JYP Entertainment has yet to announce how this will affect their longer-term activities.
For now, the agency has confirmed that Lee Know will continue meeting fans through individual schedules and content before his enlistment, with further details to follow.
JYP Entertainment has not publicly issued a response specifically addressing the funeral wreath protest as of 11 November.
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