* This article contains spoilers

Directed by Kang Bo Seung, this 16-episode miniseries continues SBS's crime drama series. Based on the webtoon "The Deluxe Taxi (Red Cage)", the show centers on the Rainbow Taxi company, a five-member team that secretly delivers justice for victims unfairly treated by society.

Central to the story is driver Kim Do Gi (Lee Je Hoon), who directly undertakes missions. He is joined by boss Jang Sung Chul (Kim Eui Seong), hacker Ahn Go Eun (Pyo Ye Jin), and two engineers, Park Jin Eon (Bae Yoo Ram) and Choi Kyung Koo (Jang Hyuk Jin).

Trailer "Taxi Driver 3". The series has 16 episodes, airing two episodes weekly on SBS. Video: SBS

According to Nielsen Korea, the first season, released in 2021, achieved a peak viewership rating of 16%. Two years later, season two surpassed this success, recording 21%. Season three continues to attract a growing audience; for example, episode 11, aired on 26/12, achieved a nationwide average rating of 12%, topping its time slot across Korean television channels. "Taxi Driver 3" was also the most-watched television series in the country in December.

The new season's plot delves into more intricate criminal networks, making the antagonists unpredictable. The taxi team faces pressure when intervening and exposing these crimes. Initially, Kim Do Gi and his colleagues confront a network luring people to Japan. Following clues, he discovers they use money-making games to ensnare high school student Yoon Yi Seo in a spiral of debt. When she cannot pay, they trick her into going abroad for exploitation.

Later, the team uncovers a car sales scheme, trapping victims with substantial payments. Subsequent episodes link these developments, revealing how criminals exploit legal loopholes.

Kim Do Gi (Lee Je Hoon) in the guise of a wealthy client. Photo: SBS

Lee Je Hoon's performance as Kim Do Gi is a highlight. The actor flexibly embodies his role, eliciting empathy from viewers as he confronts the antagonists. He conveys restraint through his eyes, tone, and his transformation into a tycoon—a role distinct from his taxi driving profession—to infiltrate the underworld. The actor skillfully handles action sequences, elevating the film's climax.

Maeil Business noted that Kim Do Gi's humorous and multifaceted performance helps balance the pace of the series amidst tense situations, making the work accessible without diluting its message.

The Rainbow Taxi team in "Taxi Driver 3". Photo: SBS

The supporting cast plays a pivotal role in each investigation. Kim Eui Seong, as boss Jang Sung Chul, provides support for the team and maintains the narrative's rhythm. Pyo Ye Jin continues to impress as Ahn Go Eun, demonstrating decisive problem-solving abilities. Engineers Jang Hyuk Jin and Bae Yoo Ram bring their unique flair with natural performances.

According to The Korea Times, the supporting characters do not merely assist the main storyline but form a cohesive team, each with a clear role in confronting evil. Thus, the series not only tells a simple revenge story but also champions collective strength. The Times of India stated that "Taxi Driver 3" portrays how justice is ultimately served, resonating emotionally with its audience.

However, the plot in the first episode felt somewhat forced. For example, the detail of a victim finding a Rainbow Taxi business card adrift offshore seemed implausible to some viewers.

Previously, the series won Best Drama Series at the 28th Asian Television Awards (ATA) in 2024. Actor Lee Je Hoon received the Daesang (Grand Prize) for his role as Kim Do Gi at the SBS Drama Awards 2023.

Vi Doan - Mai Anh