On January 19, Lee Je-hoon met with reporters in Gangnam, Seoul, for a roundtable interview following the conclusion of Taxi Driver 3. The series centers on the secretive taxi company Rainbow Taxi Company and its driver Kim Do-gi, who carries out private revenge on behalf of victims failed by the system. Lee once again led the series with his intense portrayal of Kim Do-gi.
Reflecting on the drama’s conclusion, Lee said, “I watched every episode live as a viewer, and only now does it truly feel like the project has ended. Not having the show on Friday and Saturday nights feels strangely empty.” He added that he was deeply involved not only in filming but also in post-production, carefully reviewing edits and sharing opinions to ensure the best possible final result.
In the final episode, Kim Do-gi returns as a special forces officer, uncovering the truth behind a junior’s death while exposing the dark, deeply rooted problems within the military system. The episode drew significant attention for its perceived satire of a real-life emergency martial law incident that occurred on December 3, 2024.
Regarding the message of the finale, Lee explained, “My main focus was how to portray Kim Do-gi truthfully. It may be difficult for me to directly define the message, but I believe the episode showed how dangerous unchecked power can be, and how important citizens’ choices and solidarity are in moments of crisis.”
He continued, “We filmed this last year, and even before that, our country had already experienced major turmoil. That sense of crisis was shared by many, and I think the writer’s thoughts and emotions naturally became part of the story.”
However, the politically charged episode also triggered backlash, with some viewers leaving harsh and malicious comments toward the cast. Addressing the criticism, Lee responded calmly, saying, “Every work is interpreted differently depending on the writer’s perspective. There may be majority opinions and minority opinions, but I respect all of them.”
He added thoughtfully, “As time passes, interpretations can change. Just as previous seasons were re-evaluated later, I believe Taxi Driver 3 may also receive a different kind of assessment in the future.”
Lee Je-hoon’s measured response has been praised by fans, highlighting his sincerity toward his work and his respect for diverse viewpoints.
Sources: Nate