JAEMIN
재민- Korean Name:재민
- Nickname:Nana, Jaem, Jamjam
- Birthday:August 13, 2000
- Nationality:South Korean
- Zodiac Sign:Leo
- Height:177
- Weight:60
- Blood Type:AB
- Occupation:Singer, Rapper, Dancer
- Years Active:2016–present
- Agency:SM Entertainment
- Education:School of Performing Arts Seoul
- SNS:Instagram: @na.jaemin0813
Biography
Na Jae-min, professionally known as Jaemin, is a South Korean singer, rapper, dancer, songwriter, and actor. He is a member of the South Korean boy band NCT and its sub-units NCT Dream and NCT U, under SM Entertainment. Jaemin debuted with NCT Dream in August 2016 and has since contributed to the group’s artistic growth and global success.
Early Life and Education
Na Jae-min was born on August 13, 2000, in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, South Korea, and later moved to Seoul, where he spent much of his childhood. He grew up with a passion for performance, and during his youth he competed nationally in short-track speed skating, demonstrating athletic discipline that later influenced his stage presence.
Jaemin attended Incheon Cheong-il Elementary School, Incheon Haewon Middle School, and later the School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA), where he studied music and performance while preparing for a career in entertainment.
He was scouted by SM Entertainment in 2013 at age 13 while participating in a volunteer event with his mother, where he was noticed by company staff and subsequently offered the opportunity to train as an idol.
Career
Pre-Debut and SM Rookies (2014–2016)
Jaemin began his involvement with SM Entertainment’s pre-debut training team, SM Rookies, in 2014. During this period, he appeared in various company content, including Exo 90:2014, where trainees performed 1990s K-pop songs with labelmates, and The Mickey Mouse Club on Disney Channel Korea, alongside other future NCT members.
NCT Dream Debut and Group Activities (2016–present)
Jaemin was introduced as the final member of NCT Dream, the third sub-unit of NCT, on August 22, 2016 and officially debuted with the group on August 24, 2016 with the single Chewing Gum. NCT Dream was originally structured around an age-based graduation concept, but the group later transitioned into a permanent unit due to its popularity and sustained success.
In addition to his work with NCT Dream, Jaemin has participated in promotions with NCT U, the rotational unit of the larger NCT collective.
With NCT Dream, Jaemin has contributed to numerous chart-topping albums and continued to grow the group’s international profile, including releases that expanded their musical range and solidified their presence on global charts.
Acting and Other Activities
Outside of group activities, Jaemin has pursued acting. He appeared in web series and television content, including A-Teen (2018) and Method to Hate You (2019), showcasing his versatility beyond music performance.
Discography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Chewing Gum | Single |
| 2017 | My First and Last | Mini Album |
| 2018 | We Go Up | Mini Album |
| 2019 | We Boom | Mini Album |
| 2020 | Reload | Mini Album |
| 2021 | Hot Sauce | Full Album |
| 2021 | Hello Future | Repackage |
| 2022 | Glitch Mode | Full Album |
| 2022 | Beatbox | Repackage |
| 2023 | ISTJ | Full Album |
| 2024 | DREAM( )SCAPE | Full Album |
| 2024 | DREAMSCAPE | Repackage |
| 2025 | Go Back To The Future | Full Album |
| 2025 | Beat It Up | Mini Album |
Drama
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | A-Teen | [Student] (Ep.20) Guest Role |
| 2019 | How to Hate You | Han Dae Kang/ Main Role |
| 2026 | Wind Up | Kwon Tae Hui/ Main Role |
Fun Facts
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Jaemin was scouted by SM Entertainment while volunteering at the Gyeongin Ara Waterway. At first, he thought the recruiter was from an insurance company and ran away.
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Before becoming a trainee, Jaemin was a short-track speed skating athlete in 2nd grade of elementary school. He even placed 2nd at a national youth short-track competition.
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Jaemin has excellent balance and coordination. This made him a key performer in the hoverboard choreography in NCT Dream’s debut song “Chewing Gum.”
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Jaemin appeared in several pre-debut and early activities, including: Mnet EXO 90:2014 (2014), SMTOWN Live World Tour IV (2014–2015), ABC News (U.S.) interview, “Korean Pop Idols Rule Asia” (June 7, 2015), Disney Channel’s The Mickey Mouse Club (July–December 2015)
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Due to a worsening herniated disc, Jaemin took a hiatus of about one and a half years. He made his long-awaited comeback with “GO,” where he showcased his dance skills without holding back.
