'Taxi Driver Season 3' Successful Start with 9.5% Viewership

The refreshing revenge drama 〈Taxi Driver〉 series returns with Season 3 and is generating buzz.

According to the viewership survey agency Nielsen Korea on the 22nd, the first episode of SBS's Friday-Saturday drama 〈Taxi Driver 3〉, which aired the previous day, recorded a viewership rating of 9.5% (national standard).

This is the highest figure among the first episodes of mini-series dramas aired in 2025. The peak viewership soared to 11.1%, and the viewership rating for the key advertising target demographic of 2049 (ages 20-49) also recorded 2.4%, indicating a solid start.

The 〈Taxi Driver〉 series is based on the webtoon of the same name and depicts the activities of the taxi company Rainbow Transport, which takes revenge on villains on behalf of wronged victims. Actor Lee Je-hoon reprises his role as the protagonist Kim Do-gi in Season 3, following Seasons 1 and 2.

The first episode of Season 3 begins with the story of Rainbow Transport crossing over to Japan to rescue high school student Yoon Yi-seo (played by Cha Si-yeon), who has been kidnapped by a Japanese crime organization.

A scene unfolds where Rainbow Transport's Ahn Go-eun (played by Pyo Ye-jin) disguises her identity and leaves for Japan after incurring debt in an illegal mobile gambling game. Kim Do-gi also confronts low-level members of the crime organization Neko Money, gradually infiltrating the organization.

The fast-paced development and Lee Je-hoon's diverse portrayal in the disguise act have drawn viewers' attention to the expanded setting in Japan.

The 〈Taxi Driver〉 series has shown steady growth over the seasons. Season 1, which aired in 2021, recorded a peak viewership of 16.0%, while Season 2 in 2023 recorded 21.0%, proving its popularity.

It remains to be seen whether Season 3 can continue the legacy of its predecessors.