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| ▲ The main cast for the third season of SBS' thriller series "Taxi Driver" attend the show's media conference held in Seoul on Nov. 18, 2025. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL,
Nov. 19 (Yonhap) --
Lead actor Lee Je-hoon expressed confidence at a press conference for “Taxi Driver 3” held at SBS headquarters in Mokdong, western Seoul, on Tuesday, saying, “I think I’ll be able to present a powerful ‘alter ego’ from the very beginning of Season 3.”
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| ▲ Lee Je-hoon, the lead actor of SBS' thriller series "Taxi Driver" season 3 attends the show's media conference held in Seoul on Nov. 18, 2025. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
The series follows the secretive taxi company Rainbow Transport and its driver Kim Do-gi (Lee Je-hoon), who takes revenge on behalf of victims who have suffered injustice.
The drama resonated with viewers with its reconstruction of real-life crimes — including the sharing of sexually exploitative materials, pseudo-religious cults and school violence — and its cathartic, swift retribution. Season 1 in 2021 posted a peak rating of 16.0 percent, and Season 2 in 2023 reached 21.0 percent, building a solid fandom.
A signature feature of the show is Kim Do-gi’s disguises — appearing as a job seeker, shaman, teacher, rural youth and more — tailored to each case he takes on.
Lee said, “Seasons 1 and 2 already had such strong alter egos that I wondered whether I could surpass them in Season 3,” adding, “I poured everything I had into Episodes 1 and 2.”
He continued, “In Episodes 3 and 4, you’ll see an alter ego who is cute and lovable. Personally, I’m very attached to that one,” joking, “Call me ‘Storm Rider Do-gi’ in Episodes 1 and 2, and ‘Gullible Do-gi’ in Episodes 3 and 4.”
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| ▲ Lee Je-hoon, the lead actor of SBS' thriller series "Taxi Driver" season 3 attends the show's media conference held in Seoul on Nov. 18, 2025. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Joining Lee at the event were cast members Kim Eui-sung, Pyo Ye-jin, Jang Hyuk-jin, Bae Yoo-ram, and director Kang Bo-seung.
The five actors, who have worked together for more than five years since Season 1, said they still maintain a group chat.
Bae said, “We’ve known each other for five or six years now, but we didn’t force our friendship. We became close naturally.”
Pyo added, “Many cast and staff have been with us since Season 1. Because everyone is so attached to this project, we’ve been able to give our all and keep it going.”
The actors agreed that the strong love from viewers is what made a third season possible.
Kim Eui-sung said, “Many people feel that the law and system don’t fully protect them. Even though vigilante justice shouldn’t happen in real life, watching it unfold in the drama seems to give viewers a sense of catharsis. Thanks to that support, we’ve been able to continue presenting this series.”
Lee said, “Even while shooting Seasons 1 and 2, I never imagined the story would continue. Season 3 was made possible because of the viewers’ love. I hope that by the end of Season 3, viewers will be curious about what comes next.”
Season 3 marks director Kang Bo-seung’s first time in the lead role, after serving as assistant director for Season 1.
Kang said, “While Seasons 1 and 2 introduced separate, disconnected episodes, Season 3 handles individual cases but, in the bigger picture, I wanted them to feel like one cohesive story.”
He added that although a trilogy may appear to mark a final chapter, “At some point while watching, you may find that the number 3 disappears,” hinting at the possibility of a continuation.
Lee said, “I personally want Rainbow Transport to be loved by viewers for a long time, but desire alone won’t make that happen. That’s why I approached this season determined to give everything I have.”
The actor, who won the SBS Drama Award for Season 2, said, “I hope the five Rainbow Transport members and our director will be able to receive multiple trophies at this year’s awards ceremony again.”
“Taxi Driver 3” premieres on SBS at 9:50 p.m. on Friday.
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