Lee Dong-won, a member of the K-pop boy group KNK, has announced his departure from the group to pursue an acting career. The announcement came on March 6, 2026, after seven years with the group. Fans expressed mixed emotions, with many speculating about the group's future.
KNK debuted in 2016 with the album I Remember, initially promoting as a six-member group. In 2019, Lee Dong-won joined the lineup. The group experienced further changes, with two members leaving and another added in late 2024. Since joining, KNK released three albums, the most recent being the crowdfunded KNK Airline in 2020.
On March 6, 2026, Dongwon shared a personal message on social media to fans, known as Tinkerbells. In his statement, he wrote: "Hello, this is Dongwon. I’m writing this because I wanted to tell Tinkerbells first before the article comes out. You may be very surprised, but after seven years of activities, I will be wrapping up my promotions as a member of KNK. After long discussions with the company, we made this decision because our directions have become a bit different."
He reflected on challenges: "It’s true that there have been many difficult times since debut. Even so, the reason I was able to endure until now is because of the members who went through those times together with me, and because of Tinkerbells who have always supported us and waited for us without change." Dongwon explained his decision: "However, as time passed and I grew older, I inevitably ran into many realistic challenges. After a very long and difficult period of consideration, I decided to leave the team. From now on, I plan to continue my activities as an actor in a new place."
Expressing gratitude, he added: "I was truly happy to become a member of KNK and to meet Tinkerbells. I sincerely thank you for warmly welcoming and supporting a sudden and unfamiliar new member who joined seven years ago, from that time until now. I will never forget the memories we made together and the love I received from you, and I will cherish them for the rest of my life as I start anew elsewhere. From afar, I will sincerely support the happiness of the members and Tinkerbells. I would be grateful if you could also watch over my new beginning with warm support. This has been Lee Dongwon of KNK until now. Thank you."
The group's prolonged inactivity has led fans to question its viability. Social media reactions included comments like: "please just put us out of our misery and disband the group im being dead serious," from user @brknparty; "i feel kinda sad but they also literally have 3 members left," from @bin_neathestars; and "girl just disband atp the group has been dead for years," from @L0VERJUN. Despite the departures, supporters wish Dongwon and the remaining members well in their future endeavors.
