] SBS Friday-Saturday drama Taxi Driver 3 concluded with the protagonist Kim Do-gi's sacrifice and the passionate solidarity of citizens punishing evil. This season, which provided both a heavy aftertaste and thrilling catharsis, has been evaluated as setting a new milestone for Korean-style seasonal dramas.
The final episode of Taxi Driver 3, aired on the 10th, recorded a peak rating of 16.6% and an average of 13.7% in the metropolitan area, firmly securing the top spot in its time slot as well as the overall number one position for weekly mini-series. The 2049 ratings, a measure of popularity, also soared to a peak of 5.55%, achieving a successful conclusion.
This season 3 showcased overwhelming box office power not only domestically but also in the global market. According to the weekly chart of the OTT platform Viu, it ranked number one for seven consecutive weeks in major Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore, as well as in the Middle East. The Taxi Driver craze sweeping across Asia is cited as a case that once again proves the global competitiveness of K-genre works.
At the center of this success was Lee Je-hoon, who has established himself as an icon of heroes. Lee Je-hoon, who won his second grand prize at the 2025 SBS Acting Awards for this work, perfectly portrayed the character Kim Do-gi, who oscillates between compassion for victims and ruthless revenge against villains. In particular, his varied character play, switching between his main and sub-characters, maximized the drama's enjoyment and sparked the "God Do-gi" syndrome.
The chemistry of the Rainbow Five, who reunited as a complete team for three consecutive seasons, also shone. Led by Lee Je-hoon, Kim Eui-sung, Pyo Ye-jin, Jang Hyuk-jin, and Bae Yoo-ram built a tight narrative without lineup changes, showcasing a bond that felt more familial than family. Their close interactions became the driving force that provided viewers with both emotional comfort and laughter, transcending a simple revenge drama.
The strengthened villain army and special guest lineup also drew attention. From Japanese actor Kasamatsu Sho to Yoon Si-yoon, Eom Moon-seok, Kim Sung-kyu, and Jang Nara, who challenged her first villain role after her debut, to the final boss Kim Jong-soo, the performances of these talented actors heightened the tension of the drama to its peak. The emergence of powerful villains made the revenge of the Rainbow Dark Heroes even sharper, delivering explosive thrills to the audience.
Taxi Driver 3, with its cinematic mise-en-scène, solid script, and delicate direction, is expected to be remembered as a masterpiece created by the perfect trio of writer, director, and actors. Through a narrative where justice triumphs, their actions convey a social message, and fans are already eagerly awaiting the next journey.
