Actor Bae Yu Ram delivered poignant remarks on the conclusion of Taxi Driver 3.
Bae Yu Ram, who played Rainbow Transportation engineer "Assistant Manager Park" in the SBS Friday-Saturday drama Taxi Driver 3 (writer Oh Sang-ho/director Kang Bo-seung/produced by Studio S, Group8, BAN Entertainment), showcased the true value of down-to-earth acting and won viewers' hearts. In particular, in the final episode's military base infiltration operation, he boldly abandoned the signature bowl haircut for the character Park and cemented his presence with tireless execution and quick reflexes.
Having again played the perfect supporting role this season and completed another signature character through Taxi Driver 3, Bae Yu Ram shared his regrets and gratitude about the show's conclusion in a Q&A interview.
- The following is Bae Yu Ram's full Q&A on the conclusion of Taxi Driver 3
Q. Taxi Driver 3 has ended. I'm curious about your feelings on finishing the project.
A. First, I sincerely thank the viewers who loved Taxi Driver 3. Thanks to you, we made it to the end. As always, there's regret at the finish, but I consider it another beginning, and I will work to greet you with another new start.
Q. It's more exhilarating and larger in scale than previous seasons. Which episode in season 3 did you like the most, and please tell us why.
A. Personally, the "Samheungdo" episode is the most memorable. The story unfolded densely within the limited space of an island and felt almost like watching a movie. The car chase scenes in particular left a strong impression.
Q. The Rainbow Transportation team's chemistry is so famous. While filming Taxi Driver 3, were there any changes or differences compared with before?
A. We all gradually became close over six years, like a scent spreading through a space, and I think that is the strength that maintains our current chemistry. Acting within that chemistry made the set always comfortable and enjoyable. If there was a change from before, it's that by trusting each other more we were able to focus fully on our own performances.
Q. Across season 3, who is your favorite alternate character? Was there any reaction to a subcharacter that was especially memorable?
A. Among Kim Do-gi's characters, "Hogu Dogi" left the strongest impression. Since the script didn't have me acting alongside Hogu Dogi, I watched the performance by actor Lee Je-hoon on screen and really enjoyed it.
Q. In the final episode, there was a scene where Assistant Manager Park cuts his signature bowl haircut and re-enlists in the military. How did you feel when you first read the script?
A. First, I thank the director and the writer. I never thought I'd wear digital military fatigues in my life. (laughs) It made me feel younger and at first I thought it was a joke. But the Rainbow Transportation members sincerely encouraged me to go for it, so I chose to cut it boldly.
Q. Are there any performance details for the character "Assistant Manager Park" that can be seen only in Taxi Driver 3?
A. Given this season's characteristics, I focused on the points that naturally move between seriousness and comedy. I paid attention to the finer details to bring those out better. For those who haven't watched yet and plan to binge, I'd appreciate it if you enjoy those parts.
Q. Following seasons 1 and 2, you again played the perfect supporting role this time. While playing Assistant Manager Park, are there moments when you felt you had grown as an actor?
A. Personally, until season 1, I felt more nervous than comfortable on any set. But after filming season 1, I gained more confidence than before and began to trust myself, so I could feel more at ease. I felt I was growing as a person and as an actor, and so I am very grateful for the Taxi Driver series.
Q. If you were to define the Taxi Driver series as Bae Yu Ram's OOO?
A. Since I play a mechanic, I'd like to define it as "lubricant."
Q. Lastly, please say a word to the viewers who loved Taxi Driver 3.
A. Thank you once again for loving the Taxi Driver series for six years. Whether the season continues or ends, nobody truly knows, but I don't think this is the end with the Rainbow Transportation team. Like Taxi Driver, which is somewhere though you can't tell where, I will work harder to be the actor Bae Yu Ram who's always by your side. This has been Assistant Manager Park. Service terminated.
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