When most people celebrate their birthday with cake and gifts, Stray Kids‘ Lee Know decided his 26th year should start with giving back. The K-pop idol made headlines on October 25 by donating a staggering 200 million won (approximately $139,600) split between human healthcare and his beloved feline friends.
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Stray Kids’ Lee Know’s Birthday Donation Breakdown
| Recipient | Amount (KRW) | Amount (USD) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Medical Center | 100 million won | ~$69,800 | Surgery & transplants for severely ill patients |
| Nabiya Saranghae (Cat Rescue) | 100 million won | ~$69,800 | Cat rescue, protection & care programs |
| Total Donation | 200 million won | ~$139,600 | Medical care & animal welfare |
Healing Hearts, One Donation at a Time
Lee Know’s contribution to Samsung Medical Center will directly cover critical medical expenses including surgeries and transplants for adult patients battling severe illnesses, as well as pediatric patients needing specialized care. In Korea’s healthcare system, where costs for complex procedures can financially devastate families, this donation represents genuine life-saving support.
The Stray Kids member’s choice to split his donation equally between human and animal welfare perfectly reflects his well-known love for cats. Anyone following Lee Know on social media knows his three beloved cats—Soonie, Doongie, and Dori—are practically family members who frequently appear in content.
The Cat Rescue Connection
“Nabiya Saranghae” (which translates to “I Love Cats”) is a Korean organization dedicated to rescuing, protecting, and caring for abandoned and stray cats. Lee Know’s substantial contribution will fund essential operations including:
- Emergency veterinary care for injured strays
- Spay/neuter programs to control feral populations
- Foster care and adoption services
- Long-term medical treatment for chronically ill cats
For a K-pop idol whose stage presence exudes power and charisma, Lee Know’s gentle devotion to vulnerable animals shows a softer side that makes fans love him even more.
A Pattern of Purposeful Giving
This birthday donation continues Lee Know’s impressive philanthropic track record. In January 2024, he donated 100 million won to World Vision’s global food crisis response program, specifically targeting children in developing countries affected by severe climate change.
That contribution earned him the distinction of becoming the youngest member of World Vision’s prestigious Bob Pierce Honor Club—an honor reserved for donors who contribute 100 million won or more. The club recognizes individuals making transformative philanthropic impacts.
Lee Know’s charitable journey began even earlier. Since 2014, he has sponsored four children through World Vision, providing consistent educational and nutritional support. He also contributed to emergency relief efforts following the devastating Türkiye-Syria earthquakes in February 2023.
Stray Kids’ Collective Compassion
Individual generosity runs deep throughout Stray Kids. In April 2025, Lee Know and his fellow members collectively donated 800 million won (approximately $558,300) to support wildfire relief in Korea’s Gyeongnam and Gyeongbuk regions. The group split the contribution equally between Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association and World Vision.
This pattern of group philanthropy demonstrates how JYP Entertainment’s Stray Kids has cultivated not just talented performers, but socially conscious young men who understand their platform’s potential for positive change.
The eight-member group—Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N.—has consistently used their international success to amplify charitable causes, setting an example for fans worldwide.
Lee Know’s Heartfelt Message
Reflecting on his birthday donation, Lee Know shared: “Thanks to the warm support from my fans on this special day, I was able to take part in a meaningful act of giving. I sincerely hope my donation reaches those who truly need it and brings even a small comfort and strength to all precious lives and people facing hardships.”
This statement embodies the humility that defines his approach to philanthropy. Rather than seeking recognition, Lee Know credits STAY (Stray Kids’ fandom) for enabling his generosity—a perspective that further deepens the bond between artist and supporters.
The Ripple Effect of Celebrity Philanthropy
When globally influential artists like Lee Know make substantial charitable contributions, the impact extends beyond the immediate financial help. Their actions inspire millions of fans worldwide to consider their own giving capacity, creating ripples of generosity that transform communities.
For younger fans especially, seeing their idols prioritize charitable causes alongside career achievements provides powerful modeling of values-driven success. Lee Know’s consistent giving—spanning child sponsorship, disaster relief, medical care, and animal welfare—demonstrates that meaningful philanthropy doesn’t require choosing between causes; there’s room to support multiple vulnerable populations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Lee Know personally own cats, and is that why he donated to cat rescue?
Yes! Lee Know is a devoted cat dad to three cats named Soonie, Doongie, and Dori, who frequently appear in Stray Kids content and on his social media. His genuine love for felines isn’t just performative—he’s been vocal about cat welfare throughout his career. The donation to Nabiya Saranghae reflects his personal connection to animal rescue causes. Many fans celebrate his cats almost as much as the members themselves, with the trio becoming unofficial Stray Kids mascots who’ve helped raise awareness about adoption and responsible pet ownership.
Q: How can international fans support the same causes Lee Know donated to?
While Samsung Medical Center primarily serves Korean patients, international fans can support similar causes through local children’s hospitals or organizations like World Vision, which operates globally and where Lee Know is an Honor Club member. For cat rescue, look for reputable local animal shelters or international organizations like Alley Cat Allies. Many STAYs have created fan-organized donation drives matching Lee Know’s charitable spirit, pooling smaller contributions to make meaningful impacts. Some fans celebrate member birthdays by donating in their names to causes that align with each member’s known interests—a beautiful way to honor your favorite artist while making a real difference.
