Lee Know of Stray Kids was seen using a wheelchair at a Korean airport, raising immediate concern among fans worldwide. The incident followed an on-stage injury during the group’s performance at the 2025 MAMA Awards in Hong Kong on November 29. Official updates from his agency confirm he sustained an ankle sprain but completed the demanding performance before seeking treatment.
Footage from the awards show and the airport has spread across social media, showing the idol’s dedication and the quick support from his bandmates. JYP Entertainment has now released a detailed statement about his condition and recovery plans.
Details of the On-Stage Injury at MAMA
The injury occurred during the second night of the 2025 MAMA Awards, held at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium. According to fan accounts and agency statements, Lee Know twisted his ankle while rushing down a set of stairs between segments of Stray Kids’ performance. Despite the sudden injury, he continued with the group’s scheduled performance without interruption.
Viewers at the venue and those watching the broadcast later noted moments where Lee Know appeared to be in pain. Some fan-captured videos showed him wincing backstage. His professional composure meant the injury was not immediately obvious to all viewers, with many only learning about it after the show.
JYP Entertainment stated: “During the 2025 MAMA Awards performance on November 29 (SAT), Lee Know sustained an ankle injury and immediately received the necessary treatment on site.”
Even after getting hurt, Lee Know remained on stage with his members when Stray Kids won the Album of the Year award later in the ceremony. Fellow members were seen offering quiet support to him during their acceptance speech.
Official Diagnosis and Health Update from JYP
Following the event, Lee Know returned to South Korea on November 30. His agency confirmed that he went directly to a hospital for a thorough examination. JYP Entertainment released an official health update the same day to address growing fan concern.
The medical diagnosis confirmed that Lee Know suffered an ankle sprain. The agency’s statement outlined the next steps for his recovery, emphasizing a cautious approach guided by medical professionals.
The agency’s update explained: “He has been diagnosed with an ankle sprain, and in accordance with the medical team’s opinion, he will be receiving appropriate treatment and taking sufficient rest.”
The statement also requested understanding from fans and assured them that the artist’s health is the top priority. The agency committed to supporting Lee Know for a swift recovery. The use of a wheelchair at Incheon International Airport was a precautionary measure due to the long walking distances required, not an indication of a more severe condition.
Fan Reactions and Support Across Social Media
News and images of Lee Know’s injury prompted an outpouring of support from the STAY fandom globally. The sight of him in a wheelchair at the airport became a major topic of discussion on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), with fans expressing both worry and admiration.
Many fans praised his professionalism and dedication for finishing a high-energy performance despite being injured. They shared clips and photos highlighting his effort on stage.
A fan on X commented, “I knew it had to have happened during the performance itself because the way he was wincing seemed like the pain was new… the fact that he was still able to finish their performance shows how professional he is.”
Others focused on sending healing messages and urging him to prioritize rest. A supportive post trending within the fandom stated, “Seeing Lee Know in a wheelchair is deeply worrying and his health must come before everything else… he needs to be taken to the hospital immediately and given the time and space to rest and recover.”
Members of the fan community have organized online campaigns with hashtags like #GetWellSoonLeeKnow to collectively wish him a speedy recovery. This show of support underscores the strong bond between the artist and his fans.
A Night of Highs and Lows at MAMA 2025
The 2025 MAMA Awards were a significant event for Stray Kids, who took home one of the ceremony’s top awards. The group won Album of the Year and also topped the fan-voted FANS’ CHOICE MALE TOP 10 category, ending the two-day event with two major awards.
The injury to Lee Know cast a shadow over these achievements for many fans. Notably, his was not the only injury reported from the awards show. Girl group (G)I-DLE’s member Minnie was also hurt during a rehearsal on the first night, straining her foot after stepping down from a prop sofa. Like Lee Know, she performed her scheduled stage and was later seen using a wheelchair at the airport as a precaution.
The awards show itself was held against a somber backdrop due to a major fire tragedy in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district. Several performers and K-pop idols at MAMA pledged to donate to support the victims and relief efforts.
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Current Recovery Status and Next Steps
As of early December, the focus for Lee Know is on rest and following his prescribed treatment plan. The agency’s statement makes it clear that sufficient rest is a crucial part of his recovery from the ankle sprain.
Fans are paying close attention to any updates on his condition, especially with other year-end awards ceremonies and schedules potentially on the horizon. The immediate plan does not involve any hiatus announcement for group activities, but his health will dictate future participation.
The incident has sparked broader conversations among fans about the intense physical demands placed on K-pop performers during hectic award show seasons and the importance of safety measures.
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