'The WONDERfools' director on whether Cha Eun Woo's tax-related controversy led to production change
Lee Je Hoon talks about returning to Taxi Driver Season 3.
Taxi Driver series tells the story of Kim Do Gi (Lee Je Hoon), a taxi driver, and team at the secretive company Rainbow Taxi, who deliver revenge on behalf of the wronged.
Sharing his thoughts on the new season, the actor said, "It's not easy for a drama in Korea to get a third season, so I feel deeply moved and consider it an honor as an actor. I feel more encouraged every time I hear that people are looking forward to season 3. I think we've come this far because viewers are anticipating what comes next." "We are working hard to repay everyone's love. Everyone is coming together and putting their all into filming with the thought that we need to deliver a story even more entertaining than the previous seasons."
The entire team of Rainbow Taxi — including Kim Eui Sung (as Jang Seong Cheol), Pyo Ye Jin (as Go Eun), Jang Hyuk Jin (as Choi Gyeong Gu), and Bae Yoo Ram (as Park Jin Eon) — is returning for this season.
"I am happy and excited to be working together. I remember when season 3 was confirmed, we congratulated each other in our group chat. Nowadays, the chat is mostly filled with talks about everyday things like food, professional baseball, and such, so it feels like we're a family." "On set, we laugh during every scene. Do Gi is supposed to be serious in the drama, but now, just seeing each other often makes us laugh, and many times it's hard to hold back. I think the laughter and camaraderie that come from these moments come onto the screen, which is why viewers love us so much."
Lee Je Hoon also spoke about working with director Kang Bo Seung. Kang, who served as assistant director in season 1: "Meeting him again as the main director felt even more delightful and special. Since we've already worked together before, it felt like our rhythm was in sync from the very start. During filming, we exchange a lot of ideas, and understand each other perfectly."
The actor also conveyed a deep sense of responsibility toward his character, Kim Do Gi. The character has come to hold symbolic significance beyond the drama itself — so much so that whenever a heartbreaking incident or a case that stirs public outrage occurs in real life, online comments calling for Kim Do Gi! flood social media.
On this, Lee said, "I've seen those kinds of comments while reading the news," adding, "I'm very grateful that the character Kim Do Gi has come to be seen as a symbol of justice, but at the same time, it makes me feel that I need to approach the role with an even greater sense of responsibility."
He also shared, "While I was delighted and happy to hear that season 3 was being made, I also felt pressured, thinking that I needed to showcase a better version of Kim Do Gi's alternate personas and action scenes." "When developing Do Gi's alternate personas, I paid a lot of attention even to the smallest details, including his way of speaking and outward appearance. I also put extra effort into the action scenes with the mindset that we absolutely have to deliver even more exhilarating action than the previous seasons. I hope it becomes a richer, more dynamic story with plenty to enjoy."
Lee also pointed out the highlights of Taxi Driver Season 3. "You'll get to see an even more perfected Rainbow Taxi team than in previous seasons. From the teamwork to the upgraded elements hidden throughout, I think viewers will enjoy discovering them." "Episodes 3 and 4 feature a character called Hogu Do Gi. Personally, I found the character very cute and amusing, so throughout filming, I acted with the thought that I hope viewers will love him."
Concluding, Lee Je Hoon said, "Thank you so much for waiting for and showing interest in Taxi Driver Season 3. The cast and production team are working hard to meet your expectations, so please look forward to the exploits of Kim Do Gi and the Rainbow Taxi team. We'll bring you a fresh story that's not only a visual treat but also the kind of one that will leave your heart three times more exhilarated."
Taxi Driver Season 3 is set to premiere on November 21. The K-drama will air on Viu (select regions).
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