On January 19, Lee Je-hoon met with reporters in Gangnam, Seoul, for a roundtable discussion after the conclusion of the 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 disappointed by the system. Lee once again led the series with his intense performance as Kim Do-gi.
Reflecting on the drama’s conclusion, Lee said, “I’ve watched every episode live as a viewer, and only now does it really feel like the project is finished. Not having the show on Friday and Saturday nights makes me feel strangely empty.” He added it was deeply involved not only in filming but also in post-production, carefully reviewing edits and sharing opinions to ensure the best possible end result.
In the final episode, Kim Do-gi returns as a special forces officer, uncovering the truth behind a young man’s death and exposing the dark, deeply rooted problems within the military system. The episode attracted significant attention for its perceived satire of a real-life emergency martial law incident that occurred on December 3, 2024.
As for the ending’s message, Lee explained, “My main goal was how to portray Kim Do-gi truthfully. It may be difficult for me to define the message directly, but I believe the episode showed how dangerous unchecked power can be and how important citizens’ choices and solidarity are in times of crisis.”
He continued, “We made this film last year, and even before that, our country had already been through a time of great 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 a backlash, with some viewers leaving harsh and malicious comments towards the cast. Responding to the criticism, Lee responded calmly, saying: “Each work is interpreted differently depending on the writer’s point of view. There may be majority opinions and minority opinions, but I respect them all.”
He added thoughtfully: “As time goes by interpretations can change, just as previous seasons were re-evaluated later, I think Taxi driver 3 they may also receive a different type of evaluation in the future.”
Lee Je-hoon’s measured response was praised by fans, highlighting his sincerity towards his work and his respect for different points of view.
Sources: Nate
