Lee Je Hoon Shares Insights on Starring in the Hit Series “Taxi Driver”
Lee Je Hoon ends Taxi Driver 3, reflects on awards and controversy
Lee Je Hoon just wrapped up the hit SBS drama Taxi Driver 3 with a big nationwide rating of 13.3%. The series finale aired April 10, marking the end of the private revenge agency saga.
The controversy began over some sensitive episodes in season 3 referencing martial law and unchecked power. Lee Je Hoon addressed it calmly in an April 19 interview with Sports Chosun in Gangnam, Seoul.
“The story starts from dramatic fiction. I focused on how to best portray Kim Do Gi.” Lee said, adding:
“It was an episode showing the dangers that can arise when unchecked power operates, and how crucial citizens’ choices and solidarity become.”
Lee also took on a tough idol episode that exposed the dark side of K-pop. He said:
“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.”
The actor is proud of season 3’s final edit and watched every episode closely even after winning his second SBS acting grand prize.
“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.”
About the grand prizes in 2023 and 2025 for Taxi Driver, he downplayed it:
“Winning the award didn’t change anything.”
He values the viewers first:
“Thanks to viewers who consistently loved the show until the end, I watched eagerly like any other viewer, curious about the conclusion.”
Lee praised co-stars Jang Na Ra and Yoon Shi Yoon for their villain roles, saying:
“Seeing them become completely different people once the camera rolls gave me goosebumps. It made me want to try villain roles someday.”
Reflecting on Taxi Driver‘s popularity, Lee explained:
“It offers a satisfying release for the frustrations and stresses we accumulate in real life.”
He also opened up about wanting to try different acting styles next.
“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.”
Offscreen, Lee is enjoying travel and rest, recently walking 20,000 steps daily during a New York trip.
On his personal life, Lee said:
“I only experience it indirectly through content now. I want to revive my drying emotions.”
Taxi Driver has been Lee Je Hoon’s defining role. He wrapped things up hoping for a long future:
“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.”
“I want to look forward to who I’ll be in 5 or 10 years.”
The drama’s final season closed a major chapter for Lee and the Rainbow Transport team. Fans are left waiting to see what comes next.
Watch Taxi Driver 3 final episode trailer:
Lee Je Hoon’s final thoughts on awards and endings:
“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.”