The year 2025 marked a definitive era of professional maturation and global expansion for Lee Know, the main dancer of the world-renowned group Stray Kids. While the group continued to dismantle industry ceilings, Lee Know carved out a unique space for himself as a fashion icon, a philanthropic leader, and a resilient performer. Looking back from the vantage point of 2026, it is clear that the events of 2025 transformed him from a technical powerhouse into one of the most influential cultural figures in the K-pop industry.

The Rise of a Global Fashion Icon: The Gucci Era

One of the most significant shifts in Lee Know’s career during 2025 was his formal induction into the world of high fashion. In June 2025, Italian luxury house Gucci officially announced Lee Know as its new brand ambassador. This was not a sudden development but the culmination of a year-long trajectory that began with his appearance at the Gucci Cruise 2025 show in London and his earlier presence at the Met Gala.

Gucci cited Lee Know’s "individuality and artistic spirit" as the primary reasons for the partnership. Throughout the latter half of 2025, his presence in the fashion world was ubiquitous. In July, he modeled for the brand in a high-profile feature for Esquire Korea, showcasing a sophisticated, sculptural aesthetic that bridged the gap between his stage persona and high-fashion sensibilities. His influence extended to New York Fashion Week in September 2025, where he made a guest appearance at the Tommy Hilfiger Spring-Summer 2025 show alongside bandmate Felix. These appearances solidified his status as a "sold-out king," with many of the pieces he wore seeing immediate spikes in global search interest.

Dominating the Billboard 200 and Musical Evolution

In the musical sphere, 2025 was a record-breaking year for Stray Kids, with Lee Know playing a pivotal role in their sonic evolution. The group achieved an unprecedented milestone by securing their seventh and eighth consecutive No. 1 entries on the Billboard 200. This feat, which had never been accomplished in Billboard history, was driven by the success of their releases throughout the year, including the late-2025 project SKZ IT TAPE 'Do It'.

Lee Know’s individual musical contributions also expanded. In April 2025, he joined bandmates Seungmin and I.N for the song "Start!", featured on the soundtrack of the popular medical drama Resident Playbook. This OST highlighted a different side of Lee Know’s artistry—his characterful, emotive vocals—proving that he was more than just the group’s "Dancing Gem."

Furthermore, the release of the album HOP in late 2024 paved the way for the inclusion of his solo track "Youth" in the 2025 setlists of the dominate world tour. The track allowed Lee Know to showcase his growth as a songwriter and performer, blending sharp choreography with a more personal narrative. By the end of 2025, Lee Know was ranked 3rd on Billboard’s K-pop Artist 100 chart, a testament to his rising individual stock within the group's collective success.

A New Standard for Philanthropy: The 200 Million KRW Birthday Gift

Perhaps the most impactful aspect of Lee Know’s 2025 was his commitment to philanthropy. Known for his quiet acts of kindness, he took his charitable efforts to a public scale on his birthday, October 25, 2025. He donated a total of 200 million KRW (approximately $147,000 USD), split equally between two causes close to his heart.

100 million KRW was directed to the Samsung Medical Center to support medical expenses and transplants for pediatric and adult patients facing severe conditions. The remaining 100 million KRW was donated to the cat protection organization "Nabiya Saranghae." This second donation resonated deeply with fans, as Lee Know’s love for cats (Soonie, Doongie, and Dori) has been a long-standing part of his identity.

This act followed his earlier achievement in 2024 when he became the youngest member of World Vision’s "Bob Pierce Honor Club." His 2025 donations were part of a broader culture of giving within Stray Kids; earlier that year, the group collectively donated 800 million KRW for wildfire recovery in the Gyeongnam and Gyeongbuk regions. These actions positioned Lee Know not just as a celebrity, but as a role model who uses his platform to address systemic issues and support vulnerable lives.

Resilience through Injury: The 2025 MAMA Awards

Every professional journey has its hurdles, and for Lee Know, 2025 ended with a test of physical and mental resilience. During the 2025 MAMA Awards held in Hong Kong on November 29, Stray Kids took home the prestigious "Album of the Year" award. However, the night was bittersweet for fans as it was revealed that Lee Know sustained an ankle injury during the group's high-energy performance.

Images of Lee Know in a wheelchair at the airport upon his return to Korea circulated on social media, causing concern among the global fan base. JYP Entertainment later confirmed he had suffered an ankle sprain and would require a period of rest and rehabilitation. The timing was particularly challenging as the group was in the midst of promoting their latest album, SKZ IT TAPE 'Do It'.

His response to this setback was reflective of the professionalism he has built since his pre-debut days as a backup dancer. By prioritizing recovery while maintaining a presence through social media and digital content, he demonstrated a balanced approach to the demands of the idol industry. This period of rest also gave fans a chance to reflect on the immense physical toll his "technical precision" and "silky moves"—as praised by Rolling Stone UK—take on his body.

The Mindset of "Real Lee Know"

In October 2025, Harper’s Bazaar Korea released a cover feature titled "Real, Lee Know." The interview offered a rare glimpse into his psychological state during this whirlwind year. When asked about his record-breaking achievements on the Billboard 200, Lee Know remained strikingly humble, stating that being number one is not something achieved by the artists' power alone but through the support of the fans.

More interestingly, he discussed his desire to "raise his own value"—not in material terms, but by upgrading his inner self to be "healthy and solid." He emphasized a philosophy of persistence, noting that he tries everything at least three times before giving up because he fears the regret of running away. This mindset—valuing inner strength over external accolades—explains his consistent output and his ability to handle the pressures of global fame.

He famously stated, "Before being Lee Know, I’m Lee Min-ho." This distinction between his public persona and his private self has allowed him to maintain a sense of groundedness. Even as he was invited to the most exclusive fashion shows and stood on the world's biggest stages, he remained the same individual who supports four children through World Vision and worries about the welfare of stray cats.

Looking Back: The Legacy of 2025

As we analyze Lee Know's trajectory in early 2026, the year 2025 stands as a masterclass in how a K-pop artist can diversify their career without losing their core identity. He successfully navigated the transition into high fashion, broke historic musical records, and set a new bar for celebrity philanthropy.

His year was defined by more than just numbers or brand names; it was defined by a specific type of integrity. Whether he was performing a medley of hits at kai tak stadium, attending a Gucci show in London, or recovering from a painful injury, he did so with a level of composure that has become his trademark. For Lee Know and Stray Kids, 2025 was not the peak, but rather a solid foundation for the global dominance that continues to unfold today.

In summary, 2025 was the year Lee Know proved that technical mastery of dance is only one facet of his talent. His true value lies in his ability to lead with empathy, represent a brand with elegance, and face every challenge—be it a stage error or a physical injury—with the conviction to never run away.