Popular South Korean actor Lee Je-hoon is returning to television screens as the vigilante taxi driver Kim Do-gi in the highly anticipated third season of SBS's hit drama series "Taxi Driver." The announcement came during a press conference held at SBS headquarters in Mok-dong, Seoul, where the cast and production team gathered to discuss the upcoming Friday-Saturday drama that has already generated significant buzz among fans.
Director Kang Bo-seung, who previously served as assistant director in the first season and helped establish the show's distinctive universe, has now taken the helm as lead director for the third installment. Joining Lee Je-hoon at the press event were returning cast members Kim Eui-sung, Pyo Ye-jin, Jang Hyuk-jin, and Bae Yoo-ram, all of whom will reprise their roles from previous seasons.
The drama series, which is based on a webtoon of the same name, follows the compelling story of Rainbow Transport, a secretive taxi company that operates outside conventional legal boundaries. The company's star driver, Kim Do-gi, specializes in delivering justice for victims who have been failed by the traditional legal system, often employing unconventional and thrilling methods to achieve his goals.
"This season will be intense right from the start," Lee Je-hoon announced during the press conference, building excitement for what's to come. "Not only will my character, Kim Do-gi, be stronger, but the other members of Rainbow Transport will bring their own powerful side stories. We've prepared a gripping and satisfying experience for our viewers."
The previous seasons of "Taxi Driver" have achieved remarkable success both critically and commercially. The second season became the fifth most-watched Korean drama across both terrestrial and cable television channels since 2023, reaching an impressive peak rating of 21 percent. The series has also earned its place in SBS history, ranking third among all Friday-Saturday dramas in the network's programming lineup.
With such outstanding performance from the first two seasons, Lee Je-hoon acknowledged that the pressure and expectations for the third season are considerably high. "We received so much love for the first two seasons, so of course there's pressure," he admitted candidly. "But I feel that the bonds between the characters have only deepened over time. When we first started, no one expected a second or third season. It's all thanks to the viewers."
The actor emphasized his commitment to delivering quality entertainment, stating, "We'll repay your support with thrilling entertainment this time as well." This promise reflects the production team's dedication to maintaining the high standards that have made the series such a phenomenal success.
One of the most notable aspects of the third season is the return of the complete main cast, including Lee Je-hoon as Kim Do-gi, Kim Eui-sung as Jang Sung-chul, Pyo Ye-jin as Ahn Go-eun, Jang Hyuk-jin as Choi Kyung-gu, and Bae Yoo-ram as Park Jin-eon. The chemistry between these actors has been a crucial element in the show's appeal, and their continued collaboration promises to deliver even more compelling performances.
Reflecting on the evolution of the cast's dynamic, Lee Je-hoon shared an interesting observation about their working relationship. "After spending so much time together, the line between our real personalities and our characters has faded," he explained. "The chemistry you see on screen now comes very close to how we are in real life." This natural progression has contributed to the authentic feel of the characters' relationships and interactions throughout the series.
"Taxi Driver 3" is scheduled to premiere on Friday at 9:50 p.m. on SBS, marking the beginning of what promises to be another thrilling chapter in the Rainbow Transport saga. Fans of the series can expect the same high-octane action, complex moral dilemmas, and satisfying justice that have made the previous seasons so compelling, while also experiencing new developments in character relationships and storylines that will keep viewers engaged throughout the season.
