'Returned 'God Doki' Lee Je-hoon personally expressed his special affection for SBS's new Fri-Sat drama 'Taxi Driver 3' and the excitement of presenting a new season.
SBS's new Fri-Sat drama 'Taxi Driver 3' (written by Oh Sang-ho, directed by Kang Bo-seung) is a series based on the webtoon of the same name, a private revenge-for-hire drama in which the taxi company Rainbow Transportation, shrouded in mystery, and taxi driver Kim Do-gi complete revenge on behalf of wronged victims. The previous season not only recorded the fifth highest overall viewership (21%) among domestic terrestrial and cable dramas aired since 2023, but also won the best drama series award at last year's 28th Asian Television Awards, the region's most prestigious media awards, so expectations are rising for the new season of the unquestionably mega-hit IP 'Taxi Driver.'
Meanwhile, Lee Je-hoon drew attention by directly sharing his feelings ahead of the new season in an interview. Lee Je-hoon said, "It is not easy for a drama in Korea to present a season 3, so I am very moved and honored as an actor," and added, "I get more strength every time I hear that people are waiting for season 3. I think we have come this far because viewers are looking forward to the next story," expressing his gratitude. He also said, "We are working hard to repay your love. Everyone is working together and filming hard with the thought that we must present a more entertaining story than previous seasons," raising anticipation for the imminent return of 'Taxi Driver 3.'
This season, too, it became a hot topic that all members of the 'Rainbow five'—Kim Eui-sung (as Chairman Jang), Pyo Ye-jin (as Ko Eun), Jang Hyuk-jin (as Chief Choi), and Bae Yoo-ram (as Assistant Park)—have joined. Lee Je-hoon said, "I am happy and excited to be together. I remember we congratulated each other in the group chat when season 3 production was confirmed. Actually, the group chat is full of everyday conversations like food and professional baseball, so it feels like family," bringing a warm smile. He continued, "On set, laughter never stops in every scene. In the drama Do-gi has to be serious, but now we often laugh just by looking at each other, and sometimes it's hard to hold back. I think the laughter and closeness that come out in such situations come across off-screen as well and give people affection," raising expectations for their chemistry to shine even more in season 3.
Lee Je-hoon also mentioned his rapport with director Kang Bo-seung. Kang Bo-seung, who worked as assistant director when season 1, which created the 'Taxi Driver' world, was born, will serve as the main director for season 3 and lead a more expanded world-building. Regarding his rapport with Kang Bo-seung, Lee Je-hoon said, "It felt even more welcome and special to meet him again as the main director. Since we already had experience working together, I felt our rhythm matched well from the start. We exchange a lot of opinions during filming, and we can read each other intuitively," giving a thumbs up.
Along with this, Lee Je-hoon also expressed a special sense of responsibility toward the character 'Kim Do-gi.' In reality, when heartbreaking incidents or cases that provoke national outrage occur, comments such as 'send Kim Do-gi' pour in, to the extent that the 'Kim Do-gi' Lee Je-hoon plays has come to symbolize more than a simple drama character. Lee Je-hoon said, "I also saw such comments while reading articles," and added, "I am very grateful that the character Kim Do-gi has been accepted as a symbol of delivering justice, and at the same time I feel I should approach it with even more responsibility."
He also admitted, "I was glad and happy to hear that season 3 was being made, but on the other hand, I felt burdened by the thought that I had to present an upgraded Do-gi sub-character and action scenes." He soon added, "When setting Do-gi's sub-character, we paid a lot of attention down to speech patterns and external elements. And with the mindset that we must show more gratifying action scenes than previous seasons, we put more effort into the action scenes. I hope it becomes a more varied and visually rich, entertaining story," stirring curiosity about the 'God Doki' activities that reflect Lee Je-hoon's intense 고민.
Lee Je-hoon also pointed out the viewing highlights unique to 'Taxi Driver 3.' He said, "You will see a more perfected 'Rainbow Transportation' than in previous seasons. Not only the teamwork but also upgraded elements are hidden throughout, so if you look for them as you watch, you will enjoy it even more," and hinted, "In episodes 3-4, a character called 'Hogu Doki' appears; personally I felt the character was very cute and funny, so I acted throughout filming thinking, 'I hope viewers will give a lot of love,'" increasing interest.
Finally, Lee Je-hoon said, "Thank you so much for waiting for and taking an interest in 'Taxi Driver 3.' The actors and production team are all filming hard to meet your expectations, so please look forward to the exploits of Kim Do-gi and the five members of Rainbow Transportation. We will come to you with a story that is not only a feast for the eyes but also refreshes the heart threefold," raising curiosity to the fullest about 'Taxi Driver 3,' which has finished warming up and will come to living rooms.
[Photo] Provided by SBS
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