“Taxi Driver” Season 1 Rides Onto Netflix Ahead of Thrilling Season 3 Comeback
Global K-drama fans are in for a treat, SBS’s blockbuster series Taxi Driver is officially coming to Netflix. Season 1 of the vigilante action-thriller will premiere worldwide on July 5, months ahead of the highly anticipated launch of Season 3 in November 2025.
From National Hit to Global Stage
First aired in 2021, Taxi Driver quickly captured South Korea’s attention with its gritty narrative and social justice-driven plot. The story centers on Kim Do-gi (portrayed by Lee Je-hoon), an ex-special forces officer turned taxi driver for the covert Rainbow Taxi Company. Their mission? Deliver justice to victims whom the law failed—“When justice is lost, one call is all it takes.”
Season 1 ended with a strong 16% peak viewership, and Season 2 skyrocketed to 25.6%, securing its spot as one of Korea’s top mini-series of 2023. It also dominated international streaming charts, topping rankings in 16 countries within days.
Season 3 Teases Bigger Scale, Global Plotline
Building on its success, SBS greenlit Season 3, bringing back Lee Je-hoon, Kim Eui-sung, Pyo Ye-jin, Jang Hyuk-jin, and Bae Yoo-ram. A key addition to the cast is Naoto Takenaka, a renowned Japanese actor known for Shall We Dance and Nodame Cantabile. While his role remains under wraps, producers hint at a Japan-centered storyline, signaling a potential expansion of the Taxi Driver universe beyond Korea.
Adapted from a popular webtoon, Taxi Driver is praised for addressing real-life issues, from school violence to systemic injustice, offering cathartic, action-fueled resolutions that have deeply resonated with viewers. The drama’s blend of vigilante justice and emotional storytelling has only strengthened its growing fanbase.
Lee Je-hoon’s Double Spotlight
Currently filming Signal 2, Lee Je-hoon remains one of Korea’s most sought-after actors. His performance in Taxi Driver earned him the 2023 SBS Drama Grand Prize, solidifying his status as a versatile, bankable star.
“Being part of two major series is both comforting and challenging,” Lee shared. “I’m doing my best to live up to the expectations.”
As Season 3 revs its engines for a fall release, all eyes are on this groundbreaking series poised to make even bigger waves across the K-drama landscape.
