At the center of a mega series, he completed the hero’s journey. Actor Lee Je Hoon, who proved both box office success and popularity by winning the acting grand prize twice with the Taxi Driver series, spoke calmly at the conclusion of season 3: “Only now do I truly feel it’s over.” Over the past five years, he has been fierce yet steadfast as the face of a thrilling revenge drama and an icon of the Korean-style dark hero.
On the morning of the 19th, Lee Je Hoon met with Sports Chosun at an undisclosed location in Gangnam, Seoul, for an interview marking the end of SBS’s Friday-Saturday drama Taxi Driver 3.
Taxi Driver 3 is a private revenge agency drama in which the taxi company Rainbow Transport, shrouded in mystery, and taxi driver Kim Do Gi (Lee Je Hoon) carry out revenge on behalf of wronged victims. Through the Taxi Driver series, Lee Je Hoon won the SBS acting grand prize twice, in 2023 and 2025, proving both artistic merit and commercial success.
Regarding his feelings on the finale, he said, “I watched the broadcasts almost every week from a viewer’s perspective. It’s been less than ten days since the end, and only now does it feel real. Suddenly losing the Friday and Saturday broadcasts I used to watch live feels deeply empty. I imagine the production crew and actors who filmed together would feel similarly.”
Famous for thorough monitoring, he also expressed satisfaction with the final cut. “I carefully reviewed the editing and post-production process even before the originals aired. We exchanged opinions until the very end, so I never felt a disconnect watching the broadcast.”
When asked about watching the show after winning his second grand prize, he drew a line, saying, “Winning the award didn’t change anything.” He added, “Even if I hadn’t won, thanks to viewers who consistently loved the show until the end, I watched eagerly like any other viewer, curious about the conclusion.” Yet when asked if he had any expectations for the award, he honestly answered, “I don’t choose projects with awards in mind. But as episodes accumulated and viewers’ responses grew, even the Rainbow Transport team was invited to the awards ceremony, so I can’t say I had no expectations.”
He also spoke about the weight of portraying sensitive, socially charged episodes in season 3, such as those reminiscent of martial law. Lee Je Hoon explained, “The story starts from dramatic fiction. I focused on how to best portray Kim Do Gi.” He added, “It was an episode showing the dangers that can arise when unchecked power operates, and how crucial citizens’ choices and solidarity become.” On diverse interpretations and controversies, he calmly said, “Everyone has different interpretations of a work. Over time, other evaluations might emerge.”
This season’s many side characters were also a challenge for him. He confessed, “Since I already showed many side roles in seasons 1 and 2, the pressure to show a different range was big.” He named the idol episode as the toughest challenge: “Dancing girl group choreography was really hard. We practiced twice a week for almost a month, and I even cried during practice. It was an episode I can never easily repeat, but I think it was a meaningful attempt to expose the darker side of the K-pop industry.”
On working with villain actors like Jang Na Ra and Yoon Shi Yoon who transformed their images, he said, “Seeing them become completely different people once the camera rolls gave me goosebumps. It made me want to try villain roles someday.”
Regarding why Taxi Driver has been steadily loved, he pointed out, “It offers a satisfying release for the frustrations and stresses we accumulate in real life.” He explained, “Though it’s justice achieved in a way different from reality, that refreshing feeling comforts viewers.”
As an actor, Lee Je Hoon has changed too. “Through Kim Do Gi, I’ve become more aware of responsibilities and roles as an adult,” he said. “I naturally wish for the world to improve a bit more.” At the same time, he did not hide his craving for melodrama and romantic comedy: “I have focused on genre works until now, but I want to challenge myself with different styles of acting. I definitely have a heart for melodrama and rom-com.”
On rest, he shared, “Watching movies in theaters is my greatest joy.” Recently, he traveled to New York, walking 20,000 steps daily. “I enjoy traveling where I can walk, explore, and feel the world.” Asked about dating, he replied honestly, “I only experience it indirectly through content now. I want to revive my drying emotions.”
For Lee Je Hoon, Taxi Driver is a defining work in his career. He said, “When people think of actor Lee Je Hoon, Taxi Driver might be the first thing that comes to mind. I hope this work will continue to hold good value.” He hinted at a long journey ahead, saying, “I want to look forward to who I’ll be in 5 or 10 years.”
Meanwhile, Taxi Driver 3, which concluded the epic journey of Rainbow Transport with Kim Do Gi’s all-kill charm, aired its final episode on the 10th, achieving a nationwide rating of 13.3%.
