SBS’s Friday–Saturday drama “Taxi Driver 3” has officially concluded, wrapping up its run with a powerful finale that delivered both emotional weight and explosive catharsis. Led by Lee Je-hoon, the third season ended with strong resonance, sharp social commentary, and its highest ratings yet.
The final episode, which aired on January 10, depicted the ultimate sacrifice of taxi hero Kim Do-gi (played by Lee Je-hoon) and the collective solidarity of citizens standing up against absolute evil. The storyline centered on a shocking conspiracy involving a fabricated military incident and a martial law plot, led by Colonel Kim Tae-won (Kim Jin-wook), who attempted to shift blame onto North Korea after orchestrating a deadly provocation. The ending drew attention for its bold parallels to real-world political tensions, leaving viewers with a heavy yet thought-provoking aftertaste.
According to Nielsen Korea, episode 16 recorded an average nationwide rating of 13.3%, 13.7% in the Seoul metropolitan area, and peaked at an impressive 16.6%. The drama ranked No.1 in its time slot and topped all miniseries aired during the week. Notably, its key 20–49 demographic rating reached 4.6%, peaking at 5.55%, firmly positioning “Taxi Driver 3” as one of the most successful Korean dramas of 2026.
A Proven Global Hit IP
From the moment it premiered, “Taxi Driver 3” lived up to expectations as a trusted mega-hit franchise. Beyond domestic ratings and online buzz, the series demonstrated formidable global appeal. According to Asia-wide OTT platform Viu, the drama ranked No.1 in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore during the first week of January.
In Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines, the series maintained its No.1 position for seven consecutive weeks, while in Thailand, both the subtitled and dubbed versions ranked at the top. The drama also topped charts in the Middle East for seven straight weeks, cementing its status as a truly global IP.
Lee Je-hoon, an Iconic Hero
“Taxi Driver 3” also marked a historic milestone for Lee Je-hoon. At the 2025 SBS Drama Awards, he won his second Grand Prize (Daesang) for the series, making history as the first actor to achieve two Daesangs from the same seasonal franchise. His portrayal of Kim Do-gi evolved beyond a charismatic vigilante into a definitive “hero icon,” showcasing emotional depth, moral conviction, and exhilarating action.
Lee’s ability to seamlessly juggle multiple alter egos—from gambler and con artist to manager, soldier, and undercover operative—sparked the so-called “God Do-gi” phenomenon, captivating viewers throughout the season.
The Unbreakable “Rainbow Five”
One of the drama’s greatest strengths remained the unwavering chemistry of the Rainbow Taxi Team—Kim Do-gi, CEO Jang Sung-chul (Kim Eui-sung), Go Eun (Pyo Ye-jin), Choi Kyung-goo (Jang Hyuk-jin), and Park Jin-eon (Bae Yoo-ram). Rare for a Korean seasonal drama, the core cast remained intact for all three seasons, allowing character relationships and emotional depth to grow organically.
Their mix of humor, heartfelt moments, and tightly bonded teamwork added warmth and balance to the intense revenge-driven narrative.
A Parade of Memorable Villains
Season 3 also raised the bar with a lineup of formidable villains portrayed by top-tier actors. From Japanese star Sho Kasamatsu, to Yoon Si-yoon, Eum Moon-suk, Kim Sung-kyu, Jang Nara (in her first-ever villain role), and veteran actor Kim Jong-soo, each antagonist left a strong impression and sharpened the drama’s tension, delivering unmatched catharsis for viewers.
Cinematic Quality and Perfect Synergy
Praised as “cinematic,” “Taxi Driver 3” benefited from the seamless collaboration between writer Oh Sang-ho, director Kang Bo-seung, and the cast. Sophisticated mise-en-scène, impactful music, precise editing, and tightly woven storytelling elevated the series beyond a typical television drama, earning widespread acclaim for its polished execution.
With its final episode, “Taxi Driver 3” brought the curtain down on a 16-episode journey of private justice, sacrifice, and moral reckoning. As one of the most successful Korean seasonal dramas to date, it leaves behind not only record-breaking numbers but also a strong call from fans for the franchise’s continued “operation” in the future.
Sources: 네이트 뉴스