Taxi Driver (South Korean TV series)

Taxi Driver

Industry	Television
Founded	2021
Headquarters	South Korea
Products	Television series

Taxi Driver () is a 2021 South Korean television series featuring Lee Je-hoon, Pyo Ye-jin, Kim Eui-sung, Jang Hyuk-jin, Bae Yoo-ram, Esom, and Shin Jae-ha. Adapted from the webtoon The Deluxe Taxi (also known as Red Cage) by Carlos and Lee Jae-jin, the drama is inspired by actual heinous crimes in South Korea. The inaugural season was broadcast on SBS TV between April 9 and May 29, 2021. Its second season aired from February 17 to April 15, 2023, with a third season planned for release in the latter half of 2025. The series is accessible for streaming on Wavve within South Korea, on Kocowa across the Americas, and through platforms such as Netflix, Viki, and Viu in selected territories.

The show has garnered considerable praise from audiences, particularly for its acting and narrative depth. The finale of the first season became SBS's fourth highest-rated Friday-Saturday drama, while the second season’s conclusion surpassed these figures, establishing a new benchmark for miniseries viewership in 2023.

Premise

Kim Do-gi, an alumnus of the Korea Military Academy, becomes a taxi driver for a company that offers "revenge-call" services to clients seeking retribution on their behalf.

Main

• Lee Je-hoon as Kim Do-gi

A former captain of the 707th Special Mission Group who joins Rainbow Taxi Company following his mother's passing.

• Esom as Kang Ha-na (season 1)

A distinguished prosecutor from the Seoul Northern District Prosecutors' Office dedicated to justice who becomes involved with Do-gi’s activities.

• Kim Eui-sung as Jang Sung-chul

The CEO of Rainbow Taxi Company and director of the Blue Bird foundation, known for his harsh stance against criminals while showing empathy toward victims.

• Pyo Ye-jin as Ahn Go-eun

A talented hacker working at Rainbow Taxi Company, driven by the tragic suicide of her sister.

• Jang Hyuk-jin as Choi Kyung-ku

The chief mechanic at Rainbow Taxi Company with expertise in automotive development research.

• Bae Yoo-ram as Park Jin-eon

Assistant mechanic with previous experience in aircraft maintenance.

• Shin Jae-ha as On Ha-jun / Kim Dan-woo (season 2)

A newly recruited driver connected to the Geumsa Organization.

Supporting

• Cha Ji-yeon portraying Baek Sung-mi

The influential chairwoman of Nakwon C&C, often referred to as "The Godmother," who wields considerable power within the underground market.

• Yoo Seung-mok as Cho Jin-woo

Deputy chief prosecutor serving at the Seoul Northern District Prosecutors' Office.

• Lee Yoo-joon playing Wang Min-ho

A prosecutor working in Ha-na's team, providing assistance on various cases.

• Yu Yeon-su as So-eun

Prosecutor collaborating closely with Ha-na.

• Lee Ho-cheol in the role of Goo Seok-tae

The personal secretary to Sung-mi.

• Cho Hyun-woo as Cho Do-chul

A recently released sex offender from incarceration.

• Heo Jung-do portraying Park Dong-pil

A police captain stationed at Seoul Jongam Police Station.

• Park Jong-hwan as Park Hyeon-jo (season 2)

A senior corrupt police officer and executive within the Geumsa Organization who keeps a watchful eye on Rainbow Taxi Company.

Season 1

Changsung Jeotgal Factory (episodes 1–2)

• Jo In as Kang Maria

The initial client of Rainbow Taxi Company; she has a mental disability and suffers exploitation at the factory.

• Tae Hang-ho playing Park Ju-chan

General manager of the factory involved in labor abuses and mistreatment of workers.

• Song Duk-ho as Cho Jong-geun

Brother-in-law to Ju-chan.

• Kim Do-yeon as Choi Jong-suk

The handler responsible for bringing Maria into the factory environment.

• Jo Dae-hee portraying Kim Hyung-wook

A corrupt rural police chief who operates under Ju-chan's influence.

Sejung High School (episodes 3–4)

• Park Joon-mok as Park Jung-min

The second client, a sophomore student subjected to bullying.

• Choi Hyun-wook playing Park Seung-tae

The school bully targeting Jung-min.

• Lee Min-jae as Oh Hak-soo & Lee Jae-hak as Jang Hyung-sik

Friends of Seung-tae who assist in bullying activities.

U Data (episodes 5–8)

• Jeon Sung-il as Seo Young-min

A former employee at U Data who was abused by chairman Park Yang-jin; Do-gi takes a special interest in his situation.

• Baek Hyun-jin portraying Park Yang-jin

The chairman of U Data notorious for abusive leadership and psychological manipulation of staff.

• Cho Ha-seok as Director Jung, Kim Jae-young as Mr. Lee, Lee Da-il as Mr. Ahn, Kwak Min-gyu as Jeon Jin-won

Various employees at U Data featured throughout the storyline.

• Ryu Yi-jae and Seo Han-gyeol

Supporting characters connected to Go-eun’s family background.

Voice Phishing Organisation (episodes 9–10)

• Shim So-young playing Lim Bok-ja

Head of a voice phishing operation run out of a Chinese restaurant.

• Kim Dae-gon as one of her subordinates.

Nakwon C&C / Embassy of Bahamas (episodes 11–14)

• Lee Ho-cheol as Goo Young-tae

Junior managing director at Nakwon C&C and twin brother to Seok-tae.

• Jung Kang-hee, Han Kyu-won, Han Hyun-ah, Lee Yoon-hee, Lee Ha-eun

Supporting cast associated with Nakwon C&C’s activities.

Oh Chul-young (episodes 15–16)

• Yang Dong-tak portraying Oh Chul-young

A serial killer tied to significant character histories and major crimes impacting the main protagonists.

• Jeon Seok-chan as Kim Chul-jin

A man wrongly convicted for crimes committed by Chul-young.

• Ryu Sung-rok playing Han Dong-chan / Oh Hyun-soo

Son of Chul-young and employed as a prison guard.

Season 2

Vietnam Kidnap Group (episodes 1–2)

• Choi One portraying Lee Joon-beom

The initial client of Rainbow Taxi Company in season two, seeking his son Lee Dong-jae who has disappeared.

• Zo Zee-an as Lee Dong-jae

A young man missing under suspicion of being involved in a criminal incident.

• Yoon Seok-hyun playing Sang-man

Manager at Cheongeum International.

• Kim Jeong-hoon in the role of a tour guide
• Lee Kyu-ho as Kwon Du-sik

Leader of the illicit gambling division at Cheongeum International.

• Park Seong-geun as Kim Hyung-sub

Chief of the violent crimes unit at Seoul Northeast Police Station and chairman of Cheongeum International.

Yongsori Village (episodes 3–4)

• Byun Joong-hee as Lee Im-soon

The second individual to request Rainbow Taxi Company's help, targeted by Yoo Sang-gi's fraudulent scheme.

• Ko Sang-ho portraying Yoo Sang-gi

A seasoned con artist exploiting elderly victims by reselling defective devices.

• Kang Young-taek playing Lee Dong-geun

Member of Yoo Sang-gi's gang.

• Yoo Dong-hoon as Goo Jae-seung

Gang affiliate under Yoo Sang-gi.

• Lee Kwang-hoon as Yong-chil

A phone vendor working in collusion with Yoo Sang-gi.

• Shin Kang-gyun as Lee Deok-goo

Senior citizen nearly deceived by Yoo Sang-gi.

Feel Consulting (episodes 5–6)

• Ahn Chae-heum as Hwang Seo-yeon

The third client of Rainbow Taxi Company, a survivor of child abuse.

• Kim Do-yoon as Kang Pil-seung

"Kang Pro," head of Feel Consulting known for mysophobia.

• Kwon Na-hyun as Park So-mang

Hwang Seo-yeon's adoptive younger sister.

• Jeong Young-gi as Park Joon-bin

Principal manager at Feel Consulting.

Soonbaek Cult (episodes 7–8)

• Kim Eun-bi as Lee Jin-hee

The fourth person to seek assistance from Rainbow Taxi Company, searching for her sister involved in a cult.

• Ahn Sung-woo playing Ok Joo-man

Pastor and leader of fraudulent religious organizations engaged in criminal activities.

• Jung Ji-woo as Lee Jin-seon

Jin-hee's sister and cult member victimized by the group.

• Seo Ji-soo portraying Joo-man's partner

Jeil Chakhan Hospital (episodes 9–10)

• Jung Ki-seob as Han Jae-deok

The fifth requester at Rainbow Taxi Company, fighting against medical negligence that caused his daughter’s coma.

• Lee Hang-na as Ahn Young-sook

Chief director at Jeil Chakhan Hospital.

• Kang Seol in the role of Han Soo-ryeon

Jae-deok's daughter, an athlete left comatose due to malpractice.

• Kim Jae-min playing Gong Soo-ho

Medical sales team manager at Meditopia acting on behalf of Young-sook.

• Kim Young-jin as Manager Kim

A close associate of Ahn Young-sook.

Black Sun (episodes 11–14)

• Baek Soo-jang as Kim Yong-min

The sixth client of Rainbow Taxi Company, formerly a reporter for Hanbaek Ilbo.

• Jang In-sub as Choi Seong-eun

A police officer who died while investigating Black Sun alongside Yong-min.

• Kim Chae-eun portraying Windy

Operative affiliated with Black Sun.

• Jeon Woon-jong as Cho Gyeong-jang

A corrupt officer cooperating with Black Sun.

• Go Geon-han in the role of Victor

Idol and VIP member within Black Sun.

• Lee Dal as Min Jong-seon

Leader of Black Sun’s security personnel.

• Moon Jae-won playing Yoo Moon-hyeon

Manager overseeing Black Sun operations.

• Jeon Jun-ho as No. 12

A guard employed by Black Sun.

• Yoo Ji-yeon portraying Yang Mi-kyung

VIP member associated with Black Sun.

Geumsa Organization (episodes 15–16)

• Park Ho-san as Park Min-geon

Bishop and leader of Geumsa Organization, driven by a longstanding vendetta against Rainbow Taxi Company and Do-Gi, aiming to usurp him.

• Kim Chang-hwan playing Lee Si-wan

A bank teller who reported suspicious foreign exchange activity and was falsely accused of attempted murder.

• Yoon Sang-ho as Bae Ki-seok

Corrupt warden at Jangsa Prison and member of Geumsa Organization.

Special appearances

Season 1

• Yoon Do-hyun portrayed Driver Yoon (ep. 1)
• Lee Young-ae contributed a voice role
• Park Geun-hyung appeared as Sung-mi's spouse (ep. 13)
• Park Jin-hee featured as Do Joong-won (ep. 16)

Assumed the position of deputy chief prosecutor at the Seoul Northern District Prosecutors' Office, succeeding Jin-woo.

• Ryu Hyun-kyung played Baek Kyung-mi (ep. 16)

Younger sister of Sung-mi.

• Yoon Sung-yeo appeared (ep. 15)

Individual who was mistakenly convicted in the Hwaseong serial murder case.

Season 2

• Lee Young-ae returned with a voice role
• Shim So-young acted as Lim Bok-ja (eps. 1-2)
• Namkoong Min featured as Chun Ji-hoon (ep. 9)
• Yoo Seung-mok portrayed Cho Jin-woo (ep. 9)
• Cho Jung-sik and Joo Si-eun took roles as talk show hosts (ep. 10)
• Kim So-yeon appeared as the first deluxe taxi driver (ep. 16)
• Moon Chae-won played Oh Mi-seo (ep. 16)
• Writer Oh Sang-ho appeared as a bartender (ep. 16)
• Son Jung-woo also took on the bartender role (ep. 16)

Season 1

Development

On December 4, 2019, SBS explored adapting the webtoon The Deluxe Taxi by Carlos and Lee Jae-jin into a television drama. The Korean streaming service Wavve invested in this project, having previously supported titles such as Zombie Detective (2020), Bossam: Steal the Fate (2021), and Alice (2020).

Casting

By November 20, 2020, leads included Lee Je-hoon, Esom, Kim Eui-sung, and Lee Na-eun. However, following bullying allegations, Lee Na-eun was removed on March 8, 2021. Subsequently, Pyo Ye-jin was cast in her place two days later.

Filming

Approximately 60% of filming had been completed by March 8, 2021. After Lee Na-eun's exit, all scenes involving her were reshot to exclude her participation.

Season 2

Development

SBS announced on July 6, 2021, that production for a second season was underway.

Casting

Due to scheduling conflicts, Esom did not return for season two. However, Lee Je-hoon and Pyo Ye-jin reprised their roles, with a script reading conducted on June 12, 2022. Returning cast members included Kim Eui-sung, Jang Hyuk-jin, and Bae Yoo-ram.

Filming

Filming activities in Vietnam were briefly suspended on July 15, 2022, after several crew members tested positive for COVID-19.

Season 3

Development

On April 16, 2023, SBS confirmed that a third season was in development.

Casting

Confirmed returning actors are Lee Je-hoon, Pyo Ye-jin, Kim Eui-sung, and Bae Yoo-ram. Additionally, Edan Lui from Hong Kong boy band Mirror joined the cast through a co-production agreement with Viu.

Release

The initial teaser trailer along with a poster were unveiled on December 31, 2020.

To support the launch of season two, Viu arranged Lee Je-hoon's inaugural fan meetings in the Philippines on March 3, Indonesia on March 19, and Singapore on March 25 of 2023. Lee also made an appearance at FilMart in Hong Kong where Viu announced that season two became its most-streamed program across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa within the first ten days after release.

Season 1

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Season 2

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Viewership

Average television ratings for season 1
Ep.	Part	Original air date	Average audience share (Nielsen Korea and TNmS)
			Nielsen Korea		TNmS
			Nationwide	Seoul	Nationwide
1	1	April 9, 2021	8.7% (7th)	9.4% (5th)	7.3% (10th)
	2	April 9, 2021	10.7% (3rd)	11.2% (3rd)	8.7% (7th)

• Numbers in blue represent the lowest ratings recorded, while those in red indicate the highest.
• "N/A" signifies that the rating data was not publicly released.

Awards and nominations

Original air date	Average audience share (Nielsen Korea and TNmS)
To maintain brevity, special episodes and highlight segments with lower ratings have been excluded.

Ceremony, Year, Category, Nominee/Work, Outcome

Award Ceremony	Year	Category	Nominee / Work	Result
APAN Star Awards	2022	Actor in a Miniseries, Top Excellence Award	Lee Je-hoon	Template:Nom
		Supporting Actress, Best	Cha Ji-yeon	Template:Nom
Korea PD Awards	2022	Best Television Drama	Taxi Driver	Template:Nom
SBS Drama Awards	2021	Grand Prize (Daesang)	Lee Je-hoon	Template:Nominated
		Top Excellence Award for Actor in Miniseries/Fantasy Drama		Template:Won
		Excellence Award for Actress in Miniseries/Fantasy Drama	Esom	Template:Won
			Pyo Ye-jin	Template:Nominated
		Supporting Actor in Miniseries/Fantasy Drama, Best	Kim Eui-sung	Template:Won
		Supporting Actress in Miniseries/Fantasy Drama, Best	Cha Ji-yeon	Template:Won
		Scene Stealer Award	Shim So-young	Template:Won
		Best New Actor	Choi Hyun-wook	Template:Won
		Supporting Team in Miniseries/Fantasy Drama, Best	Taxi Driver	Template:Nominated
	2023	Grand Prize (Daesang)	Lee Je-hoon	Template:Won
		Excellence Award for Actor in Seasonal Drama	Shin Jae-ha	Template:Won
		Excellence Award for Actress in Seasonal Drama	Pyo Ye-jin	Template:Won
		Supporting Actor in Seasonal Drama, Best	Jang Hyuk-jin	Template:Won
			Bae Yoo-ram	Template:Won
		Netizen's Choice: Best SBS Drama of 2023	Taxi Driver 2	Template:Won
		Best Young Actress	Ahn Chae-heum	Template:Won
		Scene Stealer Award	Go Sang-ho	Template:Won
			Byun Jung-hee	Template:Won

Seoul International Drama Awards 2021 Outstanding Hallyu Drama Award Taxi Driver - Outstanding Korean Actor Lee Je-hoon

External links

• Taxi Driver on Line Webtoon
• Taxi Driver on Tapas