NCT Jaemin’s Full Journey To Becoming A Member Of K-Pop’s Youngest Million Seller Group

In honor of Jaemin’s birthday, let’s look at his journey from birth to stardom!

NCT‘s Jaemin was born on August 13, 2000 in Jeonju, South Korea. His family soon moved to Seoul where Jaemin spent his childhood!

Jaemin as a child. | @na.jaemin0813/Instagram

He’s an only child which means his immediate family consists of just him and his parents.

| @na.jaemin0813/Instagram

He was cast on the street while doing volunteer work with his mother! Jaemin’s casting story is famous among NCTzens because it perfectly reflects his caring personality and his innate potential.

| @smrookies/Twitter

He’s often said that if he didn’t become an idol, he likely would have become a surgeon. Jaemin’s desire to help people is truly inspiring!

He joined SM Entertainment in 2013 before his 13th birthday and began his training period. He met future NCT DREAM member Jeno immediately after entering the company since they joined the same day!

| @na.jaemin0813/Instagram

Other than a commercial he appeared in as a child, Jaemin made his first broadcast appearance in 2014 on EXO 90:2014 alongside EXO members and other trainees.

Mark, Haechan, Jeno, Jisung, and Jaemin. | @smrookies/Twitter

Jaemin made his official debut in the pre-debut team SM Rookies on April 22, 2015!

| @smrookies/Twitter

From July to December 2015, Jaemin along with Jeno, Haechan, Mark, and Jisung appeared on The Mickey Mouse Club on Disney Channel Korea.

Front row: Mark, Jaemin, Jisung, Jeno, and Haechan.

Jaemin was announced as a member of NCT and the sub-unit NCT DREAM on August 18, 2016. They made their debut with the song “Chewing Gum” on August 24, 2016!

| @NCTsmtown/Twitter

Unfortunately, in February 2017 it was announced that Jaemin would take a hiatus to receive treatment for a herniated disk injury. He returned in 2018 as lovable and bright as ever!

NCT DREAM released “GO” as part of the NCT 2018 project, which was Jaemin’s first comeback since his debut. Fans were ecstatic to see him return!

| @NCTsmtown_DREAM/Twitter

Jaemin has continued doing volunteer work in between his busy schedules. In 2018, Jaemin worked with UNICEF in Vietnam to bring awareness to school violence such as bullying. He worked alongside Super Junior‘s Siwon as well as celebrities like Orlando Bloom and Dua Lipa in honor of World Children’s Day.

Jaemin working with UNICEF.

In April 2019, Jaemin made his acting debut as the male lead character, Han Dae Gang, on the web drama How to Hate You.

Jaemin as Han Dae Gang.

Jaemin made his official NCT U debut in 2020 with the song “Make A Wish (Birthday Song).” The NCT 2020 album RESONANCE went on to sell over a million copies!

| @NCTsmtown/Twitter

His success only grew from there! In May 2021, NCT DREAM released their first full-length album Hot Sauce which had over 1.7 million preorders and topped the Gaon charts.

Haechan, Renjun, Mark, Jaemin, Jisung, Jeno, and Chenle. | @NCTsmtown_DREAM/Twitter

They earned the title “Double Million Sellers” on May 26 when Hot Sauce exceeded 2 million sales!

| @NCTsmtown_DREAM/Twitter

And their repackage album Hello Future sold over 1 million copies, making NCT DREAM the youngest group in K-Pop history to become triple million sellers!

| @na.jaemin0813/Instagram

As an artist, Jaemin amazes fans with his vocal and dance performances. He also frequently contributes as a songwriter on NCT DREAM releases. Fans couldn’t be more proud of him and know the future is bright for Jaemin!

Source: SM Rookies, NCT, NCT DREAM, Instagram and UNICEF

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