tvN’s long-running variety show, Amazing Saturday – Doremi Market, has added DAY6’s Young K as a permanent cast member, effective . The announcement, made on , comes after the departure of Park Na Rae and SHINee’s Key last December following their alleged affiliations with an individual suspected of practicing medicine without a license.
Young K reportedly made a surprise appearance during recording on , catching his fellow cast members off guard. The episode featuring his debut is slated to air on .
Amazing Saturday is a popular cross-generational music variety show centered around a game where cast members attempt to transcribe song lyrics in real-time, competing for the chance to win food from markets across the country. The show’s existing cast includes Shin Dong Yup, Moon Se Yoon, Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon, Block B’s P.O., Kim Dong Hyun, Boom, Nuksal, and Hanhae.
The addition of Young K has already sparked a mixed reaction online, with some fans expressing enthusiasm for his wit and musical background, while others question whether the show is adequately addressing gender balance within its cast. Several online commenters noted the show now features a predominantly male lineup, with Taeyeon as the sole female permanent member.
The departures of Park Na Rae and Key left a noticeable void on the show, and tvN appears to be aiming to fill that space with Young K’s versatile personality. Having previously showcased his comedic timing on MBC’s Hangout with Yoo, Young K is no stranger to the variety show format. His established fanbase and musical expertise are expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the program.
DAY6, formed in 2015, has garnered significant recognition for hits like “Congratulations” and “You Were Beautiful.” Young K’s participation in Amazing Saturday represents a broadening of his activities beyond music, potentially exposing him to a wider audience and solidifying his presence in the Korean entertainment landscape.
The controversy surrounding Park Na Rae and Key’s departures cast a shadow over the show in recent months. The allegations against the individual they were linked to, dubbed “Injection Auntie,” prompted both stars to step back from their commitments. The network’s swift move to fill those positions suggests a determination to maintain the show’s momentum despite the challenges.
While the initial reaction to Young K’s casting has been divided, the show’s producers are likely hoping his presence will reinvigorate Amazing Saturday and attract a new wave of viewers. The dynamic between Young K and the established cast members will be a key factor in determining whether he successfully integrates into the program. The show’s continued success hinges on its ability to navigate these changes while retaining the core elements that have made it a staple of Korean television.
The question of gender representation remains a point of contention. The imbalance within the cast has prompted calls for the addition of another female member, a sentiment echoed by numerous online commenters. Whether tvN will address these concerns in the future remains to be seen. For now, the focus is on Young K’s debut and the potential he brings to Amazing Saturday.
The first episode featuring Young K is scheduled to air on , offering viewers a first look at his contributions to the show and providing a clearer indication of how his presence will shape its future direction.
