In the ever-evolving and fiercely competitive landscape of K-Pop where groups often rise and fall with rapid succession, one name stands out for its remarkable resilience and unwavering dedication, that’s Lee Jaejun.

Known to many fans by his former stage names “Maru” and “Marcus”, Jaejun has carved a unique narrative as a true “pro-debuter,” consistently reinventing himself and showcasing his talents across multiple groups. His journey, marked by both fleeting successes and unforeseen changes showcased his passion for performing and his refusal to give up on his dreams.

Jaejun first burst onto the scene in July 2012, a fresh-faced 15-year-old, as the maknae, lead rapper, lead dancer, and vocalist of the six-member boy group “C-CLOWN” (씨클라운) under Yedang Entertainment. Using the stage name Maru, he captivated audiences with his youthful energy and undeniable talent in their debut mini-album, “Not Alone.” C-CLOWN garnered a dedicated fanbase, but their journey was unfortunately cut short when the agency announced their disbandment in October 2015.  

Undeterred, Jaejun embarked on a new chapter, reverting to his birth name and finding a new agency in 2017. This marked his second debut, this time as the leader of the duo-turned-trio “TREI” alongside Chang Hyun. They released their digital single “Up” in August 2017, showcasing a different musical style and a more mature image. Banana Culture Entertainment later restructured the group, adding a third member Jun Tae and leading to their re-debut as a trio in February 2019 with the mini-album “Born.” TREI ultimately disbanded in June 2020.

For many, two disbandments might signal the end of a K-Pop career. However, Jaejun’s tenacity shone through once again. In October 2021, he joined MLD Entertainment and debuted for the third time as one half of the duo JT & MARCUS, partnering with former TREI member Jun Tae (JT). Their first single, “Dear You,” offered a sense of familiarity for fans who had followed their previous ventures. JT & MARCUS have continued to release singles and even contributed an OST, proving their staying power as a unit.

Yet, Jaejun’s ambition extended beyond his duo. Later in 2021, he participated in the intense survival show “Extreme Debut: Wild Idol.” His exceptional dance skills and vocal prowess earned him a spot in the project group TAN (To All Nations). This marked his fourth debut, where he took on the roles of main dancer, sub-vocalist, and visual.

Under Think Entertainment, TAN debuted in March 2022 with their first mini-album, “1TAN,” and quickly gained a significant following. Sadly, due to unforeseen controversies surrounding their agency, all TAN members terminated their contracts in June 2024, leading to the group’s disbandment shortly after.  

Read more about TAN and their previous Manila activities: Meeting TAN [Fan Account], First Step: To All Nations, TAN in Trinoma, TAN’s Philippine Promo Tour in Manila, TAN joined Universal Records PH

Amidst his busy idol schedule, Jaejun also ventured into acting, making his debut in the 2023 BL web story “CityBoy Log,” showcasing another facet of his artistic abilities.

Proving that his passion and drive remain as strong as ever, Jaejun recently embarked on his fifth debut in October 2024 as part of the trio IN A MINUTE alongside Kim Jun Tae and Kim Hyun Yeop. The group has already held a fan meeting in Seoul and pre-released singles “Unbox” and “What You Want,” signaling a promising new chapter in his already remarkable career. (Read: IN A Minute in Manila)

While the K-Pop industry is often characterized by fleeting moments, Lee Jaejun’s consistent presence and continued pursuit of his dreams solidify his place as a true “pro-debuter,” an inspiring figure who refuses to let the challenges define his artistic path. You can follow Lee Jaejun on Instagram and Tiktok!