DoReMi Market
DoReMi Market, better known internationally as Amazing Saturday (Korean: 놀라운 토요일), is a long-running South Korean variety television program that premiered on the cable network tvN on April 7, 2018. The show blends musical challenges, particularly lyric-guessing games inspired by the solfège syllables "do-re-mi," with culinary segments highlighting representative foods from a different traditional or local market across South Korea each week. Broadcast every Saturday evening, it features a mix of comedy, music trivia, and eating contests, attracting a wide audience through its lighthearted format that transcends generational divides.[1][2] The central segment, titled DoReMi Market, revolves around cast members and celebrity guests competing in rounds of song dictation, where they listen to brief audio clips of popular Korean songs—spanning K-pop, trot, and ballads—and attempt to transcribe the lyrics accurately on individual whiteboards. Successful guesses earn points that unlock portions of the episode's featured market foods, such as street snacks or regional specialties, which are savored during a communal mukbang (eating broadcast) if the team performs well. Additional mini-games, like quick quizzes or physical challenges, and thematic elements—such as coordinated costumes tied to the market or song era—add variety and visual flair to the proceedings. From its early episodes, the format evolved to include snack quizzes and collaborative hints, ensuring dynamic gameplay while emphasizing teamwork and humorous mishaps.[1][2] Amazing Saturday boasts a stable ensemble of regular performers, including hosts Boom and Shin Dong-yup, the non-playing mascot Small-mouthed Haetnim, comedians Park Na-rae, Kim Dong-hyun, and Moon Se-yoon, rappers Nucksal, Hanhae, and P.O. of Block B, and singers Taeyeon of Girls' Generation and Key of SHINee. Guests from the entertainment industry, such as K-pop idols, actors, and comedians, frequently appear to promote projects or simply join the fun, contributing to the show's celebrity-driven appeal. Renowned for its consistent viewership—historically topping cable charts with ratings around 2-3 percent nationwide (averaging ~2.2% in 2025) and peaking at 3.8 percent in a memorable 2020 episode—it has become a cultural staple, celebrated for fostering intergenerational music discussions and showcasing Korea's diverse street food heritage. By November 2025, the program had aired over 390 episodes, solidifying its status as one of tvN's flagship variety hits.[1][3][4]Overview
Premise and format
DoReMi Market serves as the flagship segment of the South Korean variety show Amazing Saturday, blending music trivia with culinary exploration from regional markets across the country. Premiering on tvN on April 7, 2018, the segment airs weekly on Saturdays at 19:40 KST as part of the broader program's format.[1][5] In each episode, producers select a different South Korean market and highlight three representative foods unique to that location, such as local delicacies or street eats that embody the area's culture. The regular cast members, along with one or more celebrity guests, compete in guessing games centered on song lyrics, aiming to accurately transcribe provided audio snippets to accumulate points. Successful guesses allow the teams to claim portions of the featured foods, turning the competition into a reward-based challenge that emphasizes quick thinking and musical knowledge.[1][5] Boom acts as the emcee, overseeing the proceedings by announcing challenges, offering cryptic hints, and maintaining the energetic pace of the games. Once the rounds conclude, the participants partake in a mukbang segment, where they savor the earned dishes on camera, providing commentary and reactions that add a layer of entertainment to the eating experience. To tie into the thematic elements, the cast and guests don outfits inspired by the episode's market or conceptual motif, such as traditional attire or playful interpretations of local motifs, enhancing the visual cohesion and immersive feel of the broadcast.[1]History and production
DoReMi Market, officially part of the variety show Amazing Saturday, was developed by producing director Lee Tae-kyung and premiered on tvN on April 7, 2018.[1] The program was conceived as a unique blend of music quizzes and mukbang elements, where cast members and guests compete in lyric-guessing games to win representative foods from featured Korean markets, emphasizing authenticity through on-location collaborations with local vendors.[6][7] The production team, led by directors Lee Tae-kyung and Park Sung-jae under CJ ENM, focused on creating engaging segments that highlight regional cuisines while maintaining a lighthearted atmosphere centered on musical challenges.[6] Early episodes established the core format of two main dictation rounds supplemented by snack quizzes, with the show running approximately 75-80 minutes per installment.[8] In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, production adapted by suspending broadcasts in March and April 2020 following positive tests among CJ ENM staff and a junior producer, opting for reruns during affected weeks to ensure safety.[9][10] Lee Tae-kyung departed tvN in late 2022 to join the production company TEO, marking a transition in leadership while the show continued under subsequent directors.[11] After Lee Tae-kyung's departure, the production continued under directors including Park Sung-jae and Kwak Cheong-ah as of 2025.[12] As of November 2025, DoReMi Market remains in active production, with 392 episodes aired, sustaining its format of partnering with diverse local markets across South Korea to showcase cultural and culinary highlights.[6][4]Cast
Current cast
The current fixed cast of DoReMi Market (also known as Amazing Saturday) consists of ten main members who participate in the show's lyric-guessing games and comedic segments, led by host Boom and team leader Shin Dong-yeop.[13] As of November 2025, all members remain active with no announced departures, contributing to the program's blend of humor, music knowledge, and variety dynamics.[14] Boom serves as the emcee since the show's inception, facilitating gameplay and announcing challenges with his energetic hosting style.[13] Shin Dong-yeop acts as the team leader, often steering discussions and providing witty commentary during rounds.[13] Kim Dong-hyun brings athletic energy and quick reactions to physical challenges within the games.[13] Moon Se-yoon excels in comedic timing and impressionistic humor, frequently lightening tense guessing moments.[13] Park Na-rae contributes bold personality and sharp banter, enhancing group interactions.[13] Nucksal, a rapper, leads rap-focused segments with his lyrical expertise and delivers unique catchphrases like "Nokcho" during performances.[15] Taeyeon, as the "Tang Café President," leverages her vocal and music industry background for precise lyric identification, particularly in ballad and pop rounds.[16] Hanhae adds rhythmic flair and competitive spirit to music challenges.[13] Key utilizes his idol experience from SHINee to dominate K-pop lyric guessing, often drawing on SM Entertainment knowledge for accurate recalls.[17] P.O., having returned post-military service, injects youthful enthusiasm and physical comedy, appealing to a broad audience through his versatile reactions.[14]| Member | Role/Title | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Boom | Host/Emcee | Game facilitation and energy |
| Shin Dong-yeop | Team Leader | Strategic commentary |
| Kim Dong-hyun | Regular Member | Athletic challenges |
| Moon Se-yoon | Regular Member | Comedic impressions |
| Park Na-rae | Regular Member | Bold banter |
| Nucksal | Rap Segment Leader | Lyrical expertise, catchphrases |
| Taeyeon | Tang Café President | Music identification |
| Hanhae | Regular Member | Rhythmic competition |
| Key | Regular Member | K-pop lyric accuracy |
| P.O. | Regular Member | Youthful comedy |
Former cast
Lee Hye-ri, known professionally as Hyeri, served as a fixed cast member on DoReMi Market from April 2018 to November 2020. She departed the show to concentrate on her acting commitments, including starring roles in dramas such as Reply 1988 and subsequent projects.[18] During her tenure, Hyeri infused the program with her vibrant comedic timing and relatable charm, particularly shining in the early episodes through her enthusiastic participation in wordplay games and interactions that helped solidify the show's playful dynamic.[19] Post-departure, she made a surprise guest appearance in episode 153 in March 2021, delighting the cast and audience with her return.[20] SHINee's Key served as a fixed cast member starting in 2018 but took a hiatus from March 2019 to late 2020 for mandatory military service. He returned as a fixed member in November 2020, bringing his expertise in K-pop lyrics.[21][22] Rapper Hanhae was an original fixed cast member from the show's start in 2018, but departed temporarily in 2019 for military service, returning in November 2020. His rhythmic style and competitive energy have been consistent features upon rejoining.[23] Pyo Ji-hoon, known as P.O of Block B, joined as a fixed cast member in March 2019 and contributed until his temporary departure in March 2022 for mandatory military service in the Republic of Korea Marine Corps. He returned to the show in October 2023 following his discharge in September of that year.[14] P.O's presence added youthful energy and humorous physical comedy, enhancing the group's banter during gameplay segments and mukbang portions before his hiatus.[15] Other cast members, such as host Boom, have taken short-term breaks for personal reasons or health, but these did not result in permanent exits. The show's cast lineup has otherwise remained relatively stable, with changes primarily driven by individual career priorities and service obligations.Notable guest appearances
DoReMi Market has featured a diverse array of guest celebrities, particularly K-pop idols and comedians, who bring fresh dynamics to the show's lyric-guessing games and market-themed challenges. Recurring guests like Super Junior's Eunhyuk have appeared multiple times, notably in a 2020 episode alongside bandmate Leeteuk, where their camaraderie amplified the humor during snack time segments. Eunhyuk returned in 2022 for a leader-themed episode with SHINee's Onew and EXO's Suho, showcasing competitive banter that highlighted group leadership traits while engaging in the core Takoyaki game.[24] Prior to joining the main cast, Girls' Generation's Taeyeon made impactful guest appearances, including a 2019 episode with Sunny that infused the show with nostalgic idol energy and strong performances in the Voice Support Quiz. Her pre-cast visits, such as the 2020 "100 Days Party" episodes, demonstrated her quick wit and chemistry with hosts, influencing subsequent guest selections for similar high-profile idols. Other notable K-pop guests include A Pink's Eunji and Apink's Sunhwa, who returned in a 2022 episode with Lee Sun Bin, creating lively interactions tied to their shared industry experiences.[25][26][27] In 2025, comedian Shin Kiru appeared in a November friendship-themed episode, forming a doppelganger-like rapport with Moon Se-yoon and sparking an unexpected rivalry with Taeyeon through playful exchanges. Fellow comedian Heo Kyung-hwan joined the same episode, introducing a new catchphrase that persisted despite the cast's reactions, adding memorable comedic flair to the proceedings. Actor Seo Bum-joon also featured, portraying a friend to main cast member Key and contributing to the episode's emphasis on interpersonal dynamics. These appearances underscore how guests often tie into thematic elements, such as regional markets or personal connections, enhancing the show's variety without altering its core format.[28][29]Gameplay
Core games and rules
The core gameplay of DoReMi Market centers on a lyric dictation challenge, where participants listen to brief audio clips from songs and attempt to transcribe the lyrics accurately to earn food rewards from themed market specialties. The participants, consisting of the show's fixed cast and two weekly guests, are divided into two teams of three for the competition. Each round features one song, with three rounds per game and increasing difficulty across the rounds to heighten the challenge.[30][31] In each round, teams receive a short audio clip lasting 3 to 7 seconds, during which they must memorize the lyrics before the music stops. Participants then write their guesses on individual doljabi-style boards, a traditional Korean writing tool adapted for the show to allow quick revelation of answers. The team with the closest or most accurate transcription to the actual lyrics receives points; the first team to correctly complete all lyrics within the allotted attempts wins the round and associated food prizes.[30][31][32] Scoring is tied directly to a food-earning system, where accumulated points determine portions of signature dishes from famous Korean eateries, such as full-course meals for the top-scoring team, reduced servings for second place, and minimal or no portions for lower scores. If both teams succeed on the same attempt, the round results in a tie, sharing the food rewards equally. The overall winning team at the end of three rounds enjoys the largest share of the market's offerings, emphasizing the high stakes of accuracy in a fun, competitive format.[33][34] Teams have up to three attempts per song, starting with the full clip on the first try; subsequent attempts use shorter clips or provide hints if the initial guess fails, but success on later attempts yields smaller food portions as a penalty for inaccuracy. Common hint variations include revealing the spacing between words, one specific letter, initial consonants of words, or the preceding line of lyrics to aid deduction without spoiling the answer. Wrong guesses on any attempt may incur minor penalties, such as temporary restrictions on hint usage in the next round, to maintain tension and fairness.[35] To build suspense during the dictation and revelation phases, the game employs custom original soundtracks (OSTs) as background music, featuring tense instrumental tracks that escalate in intensity as attempts dwindle. These audio cues, composed specifically for the show, enhance the dramatic atmosphere without interfering with the song clips.One Shot challenges
The One Shot challenges in DoReMi Market are special sudden-death lyric guessing segments that take place after the main game's dictation rounds, pitting the first or last place participant against the clock or opponents to secure bonuses or evade penalties. In the standard format, the participant who achieved the closest approximation to the correct lyrics in the initial dictation of a round receives the One Shot opportunity, allowing them a single listen to the song snippet to guess the title and claim the round's featured market food as a prize. This mechanic heightens the stakes, as successful guesses can turn a close call into a decisive win for the individual's team. Variants of the One Shot include the First Place One Shot, awarded to the overall main game winner, who competes for additional bonus items such as extra snacks or market specialties, and the Last Place One Shot, where the lowest scorer must attempt the guess to avoid a mukbang penalty involving consuming a large, often spicy or challenging portion of food alone. Joint One Shots occur when multiple participants tie for the closest dictation, sharing the chance and potential reward. Cast-only statistics highlight consistent performers, with Taeyeon recording 15 successful cast wins in One Shot challenges by 2025, often leveraging her vocal expertise in guest-inclusive episodes. The Hall of Fame recognizes top performers based on cumulative One Shot receptions and successful uses, with induction criteria requiring at least 20 total One Shots across episodes. Key leads with 22 One Shots as of late 2024, earning induction for his frequent accuracy in first-dictation rounds and strategic use of the chance. Notable instances include Key's streak of consecutive One Shots in 2020 episodes, contributing to team victories in high-stakes market themes, and Taeyeon's 2019 debut guest appearance where she secured a joint One Shot with a cast member, setting the stage for her later dominance.[36] Introduced in 2019 as an evolution of the core dictation format to emphasize individual skill post-team play, the segment saw 2025 updates incorporating guest statistics into official rankings, allowing temporary guests to contribute to hall of fame tallies if they meet the threshold during their appearance. This change broadened the competitive landscape, with examples like guest idols tying cast members in sudden-death rounds for shared prizes.[37]Perfect games and special records
A perfect game in DoReMi Market is achieved when a team correctly guesses all three songs on the first attempt, securing the entire selection of market foods without any deductions for incorrect guesses. This milestone, first recorded in 2019, represents the pinnacle of dictation accuracy and has been celebrated for denying the mascot character Haetnim any share of the prizes.[38] By mid-2025, thirteen perfect games had been recorded in total, with episode 328 featuring the thirteenth after a 20-week gap from the prior one.[38]Broadcast and episodes
Episode structure and themes
Episodes of DoReMi Market adhere to a consistent structure that integrates thematic elements with interactive gameplay, ensuring a balanced mix of education, competition, and entertainment. Each episode begins with an opening segment introducing the featured market, providing context on its cultural significance and the three representative foods available as prizes, which ties directly into the week's theme. This is followed by the core DoReMi game, a 40-minute song dictation challenge where the cast and guests listen to audio clips and compete to transcribe lyrics accurately to claim the market items. The segment then transitions to One Shot challenges—brief, penalty-based mini-games that heighten tension and allow for bonus wins—before concluding with a mukbang, where participants savor the accumulated foods in a relaxed, conversational wrap-up.[39] Thematic elements emphasize variety and cultural immersion through weekly market rotations across South Korea, promoting local traditions and cuisines; for instance, the Neunggok Traditional Market in Goyang was highlighted in a 2023 leader-themed episode featuring idols portraying group leaders. Dressing concepts further enhance engagement, with cast members adopting coordinated outfits aligned to the episode's motif, such as the 2025 "presidents" theme where participants dressed as company executives to complement the market's entrepreneurial vibe. Special episodes deviate slightly to celebrate milestones or holidays, including the Chuseok 2024 holiday special incorporating seasonal foods and traditions, and anniversary editions like the 300th episode in 2023, which reunited alumni for nostalgic gameplay variations.[40][41] As of November 17, 2025, DoReMi Market has produced 392 episodes, typically running 70-80 minutes to accommodate the full arc of introduction, games, and mukbang while maintaining a fast-paced rhythm.[42]Ratings and viewership
DoReMi Market's nationwide ratings, as measured by AGB Nielsen, averaged 2.5% during its debut year in 2018, establishing a solid foundation for the variety show on tvN. The program experienced steady growth, reaching a peak of 4.8% in 2023.[43] Yearly breakdowns reveal fluctuations influenced by market competition; for instance, ratings have varied amid rival programming on broadcast networks. Guest stars have notably boosted viewership, particularly episodes with K-pop specials. Additionally, streaming platforms have amplified international reach.[44] Demographically, the show maintains strong appeal among viewers aged 20-49, comprising a significant portion of its audience.[45]Segments and specials
Snack Time
The Snack Time segment functions as a mid-episode mini-game in DoReMi Market, providing a casual break between the primary song dictation rounds and allowing cast members and guests to compete for small food rewards tied to the episode's featured market theme.[46] Unlike the team-based core gameplay, it emphasizes individual performance in quick quizzes or challenges, where participants vie to avoid finishing last and missing out on the snack entirely.[46] This structure creates light-hearted tension, often highlighted by humorous mishaps and reactions that contribute to the show's comedic appeal.[47] Introduced early in the program's run as a bonus round to enhance viewer engagement, Snack Time has become a recurring staple that balances the intensity of the main competition with relaxed, snack-focused fun.[46] The rules revolve around simple, fast-paced games—such as lyric-guessing quizzes—where winners earn tastes of regional delicacies like street foods or market specialties, reinforcing the episode's culinary motif on a smaller, more accessible scale.[41] For instance, a 2024 installment featured a "Lyrics Nemo Quiz – Memories Travel," testing recall of past songs to determine snack distribution, demonstrating the segment's adaptability to thematic variations.[41] By design, Snack Time fosters team camaraderie through its low-stakes nature, encouraging playful banter and shared laughs over the rewards, which contrasts with the high-pressure bets of the core games.[46] It typically uses leftover points from earlier rounds or standalone bets to heighten the fun, ensuring the segment integrates seamlessly as an interlude without overshadowing the primary structure.[47]Special episodes and one-shots
DoReMi Market has featured several one-shot specials, which are standalone challenges deviating from the standard song dictation format to emphasize unique themes and interactions. For instance, the 2024 300th episode special introduced a modified dictation game with enhanced mafia support mechanics, allowing for rare one-shot successes across multiple rounds, as documented in episode recaps.[41] These specials often highlight guest performances in non-traditional games, such as collaborative lyric predictions without hints, fostering high-stakes, one-try resolutions that test the cast's intuition. Holiday episodes provide another layer of non-standard programming, incorporating cultural elements into the gameplay. The 2023 Chuseok special, aired on September 14, was a compilation of memorable Snack Time moments. Similarly, the 2025 New Year special on January 11 featured resolution-themed rounds with guests Julien Kang, Jong Tae-se, and Mo Tae-bum, emphasizing motivational song snippets for one-shot attempts tied to personal goals, at Ulsan Noma Store Market.[38] Cast-only one-shots have occasionally spotlighted internal competitions among the regular members, emphasizing team dynamics over external guests, often resulting in multiple one-shots due to familiar synergies. In 2025, notable highlights include episode 388, aired on October 18, which brought together rookie idols Jaehyun from BOYNEXTDOOR, Jeemin from IZNA, Ian from Hearts2Hearts, and Wonhee from ILLIT for a multi-group collaboration on fast-paced dictation rounds, achieving several one-shots through synchronized hints.[48] The November 8 episode 391, themed around "rivalry" dynamics, featured comedians Shin Kiru and Heo Kyung-hwan alongside actor Seo Beom-jun at Masan Fish Market, with competitive voice support quizzes leading to intense one-shot rivalries between teams.[49] These episodes exemplify the show's flexibility in blending special formats with core mechanics for fresh viewer engagement.Spin-offs
Idol Dictation Contest
The Idol Dictation Contest serves as the primary spin-off from DoReMi Market, adapting the original show's lyric dictation gameplay for a K-pop idol audience. In this format, teams composed of regular idol cast members and guest groups engage in relay-style challenges, where participants listen to short audio snippets from popular songs and transcribe the lyrics to accumulate points. The team with the highest score secures the reward of enjoying themed market foods, blending competitive music knowledge with the humorous banter characteristic of the parent program. Hosting duties are handled by subsets of the original DoReMi Market cast, including MC Boom and panelist Jaejae, alongside fixed idol members such as Super Junior's Eunhyuk, VIXX's Ravi, and EXO's Kai, who provide both entertainment and expertise in the idol industry.[50][51] Season 1 premiered on May 21, 2021, spanning 10 episodes and airing primarily on TVING with select broadcasts on tvN. The season introduced guest idols from groups like SEVENTEEN and WINNER, with teams led by regulars achieving victories in several episodes through sharp lyric recall and strategic relays. It quickly gained traction among K-pop fans for highlighting idols' musical proficiency in a lighthearted setting, contributing to the spin-off's role in expanding the DoReMi Market universe.[52][53] Season 2, launched on December 16, 2021, extended to 18 episodes on TVING, incorporating a broader range of international idols as guests, including members from ENHYPEN and ITZY, to reflect the global K-pop landscape. The expanded format allowed for more diverse challenges and guest interactions, maintaining the core dictation mechanics while emphasizing cross-group dynamics. The season's innovative approach helped solidify the spin-off's popularity, influencing subsequent idol-focused episodes in the main DoReMi Market series by 2025.[54][55]Other related programs
In 2023, Lee Tae-kyung, the producing director of DoReMi Market, launched the variety program HyeMiLeeYeChaePa (also known as HMLYCP), which premiered on ENA on March 12, 2023, and on Netflix internationally. Featuring an all-female cast of celebrities and idols including Hyeri, (G)I-DLE's Miyeon, LE SSERAFIM's Kim Chaewon, Choi Ye Na, Leejung, and Patricia, the show adopts a mission-style format where the cast undertakes collaborative challenges, including game-based tasks centered on lyric guessing and music-related quizzes tailored for female participants, while incorporating elements of interior decorating and group dynamics to foster chemistry among the idols. A second season is planned for 2025 but has not yet premiered as of November 2025.[56] These related programs have enhanced the visibility of DoReMi Market's core gameplay. The Idol Dictation Contest shares conceptual ties through its lyric focus but operates as a distinct idol-centric series.Reception
Critical response
Upon its debut in 2018, Amazing Saturday – DoReMi Market received positive early feedback for its unique fusion of music quizzes and mukbang elements, earning an average user rating of 8.7 out of 10 on IMDb based on viewer assessments.[1] The show has maintained strong acclaim into 2025, with recent episodes praised for incorporating diverse guests that enhance its energetic dynamic and appeal to broader audiences. For instance, the October 2025 appearance of izna member Bang Ji-min was highlighted for her captivating visuals and performance, contributing to heightened viewer engagement and supporting her group's promotional efforts. Similarly, the November 2025 episode featuring comedians Shin Kiru, Heo Kyung-hwan, and actor Seo Bum-joon was noted for its lively friendship-themed interactions, underscoring the program's ability to showcase varied talents.[57][28] Culturally, DoReMi Market has significantly influenced K-variety trends by popularizing the blend of singing challenges with food rewards, establishing it as a staple Saturday evening program since its inception.[58][59] The series has cultivated a dedicated fanbase, bolstered by its consistent viewership and the availability of international subtitles that have expanded its reach beyond South Korea.[58]Awards and nominations
DoReMi Market has received limited recognition for its format and popularity since its 2018 debut. In 2021, it won the Music Program Award at the Brand Customer Loyalty Awards. Individual cast members have garnered honors for their contributions to variety television, reflecting the show's collaborative dynamic. Host Boom earned the Excellent Award in Variety Show (Male) at the 2020 MBC Entertainment Awards for his work, including on Amazing Saturday. Park Na-rae, a former cast member, won the Top Excellence Award in the Female Category at the 2023 MBC Entertainment Awards for her overall variety work.[60]| Category | Wins | Nominations | Notable Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Awards | 1 | 0 | 2021 Brand Customer Loyalty Awards (Music Program win) |
| Individual Awards | 2 | Unknown | Boom: 2020 MBC Excellent Award (Male Variety); Park Na-rae: 2023 MBC Top Excellence (Female) |