Taxi Driver 2

Taxi Driver

Industry	Television series
Founded	2021 (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 show draws inspiration from actual grievous crimes that occurred in Korea. The inaugural season was broadcast on SBS TV between April 9 and May 29, 2021, airing on Fridays and Saturdays at 22:00 KST. The second season ran from February 17 to April 15, 2023, with a third season slated for release in the latter half of 2025. Streaming options include Wavve within South Korea, Kocowa across the Americas, and selected regions have access via Netflix (season one only), Viki, and Viu.

The series Taxi Driver garnered significant acclaim for its acting and narrative quality. The finale of the first season ranked as the fourth highest-rated drama on SBS for Friday-Saturday time slots. Meanwhile, the second season’s concluding episode surpassed those figures, establishing a new benchmark for viewership ratings among miniseries in 2023.

Premise

Kim Do-gi, an alumnus of the Korea Military Academy, is employed as a taxi driver for a company that provides a "revenge-call" service aimed at helping clients seek retribution.

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 top prosecutor from Seoul Northern District Prosecutors' Office who eventually becomes an ally to Do-gi's mission.

• Kim Eui-sung as Jang Sung-chul

The CEO of Rainbow Taxi Company and head of Blue Bird, a charitable foundation; known for his harsh stance against criminals yet empathetic toward victims.

• Pyo Ye-jin as Ahn Go-eun

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

• Jang Hyuk-jin as Choi Kyung-ku

The chief mechanic at Rainbow Taxi Company; previously engaged in automotive research and development.

• Bae Yoo-ram as Park Jin-eon

Assistant mechanic at Rainbow Taxi Company; formerly specialized in aircraft maintenance.

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

A newcomer driver at Rainbow Taxi Company and affiliated with the Geumsa Organization.

Supporting

• Cha Ji-yeon portraying Baek Sung-mi

Leader of Nakwon C&C, famously called "The Godmother," wielding significant influence within the underground economy.

• Yoo Seung-mok in the role of Cho Jin-woo

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

• Lee Yoo-joon as Wang Min-ho

A prosecutor at the Seoul Northern District Prosecutors' Office who supports Ha-na in her investigations.

• Yu Yeon-su playing So-eun

Prosecutor collaborating with Ha-na at the Seoul Northern District Prosecutors' Office.

• Lee Ho-cheol as Goo Seok-tae

Secretary to Sung-mi.

• Cho Hyun-woo as Cho Do-chul

A recently released former sexual offender.

• Heo Jung-do as Park Dong-pil

Captain at the Jongam Police Station in Seoul.

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

Senior corrupt police officer and Geumsa Organization executive overseeing Rainbow Taxi Company activities.

Season 1

Changsung Jeotgal Factory (episodes 1–2)

• Jo In as Kang Maria

The inaugural client of Rainbow Taxi Company; a mentally disabled individual exploited within the factory setting.

• Tae Hang-ho as Park Ju-chan

General manager of the factory involved in labor abuse, unlawful confinement, and mistreatment.

• Song Duk-ho as Cho Jong-geun

The brother-in-law of Ju-chan.

• Kim Do-yeon as Choi Jong-suk

Agent responsible for bringing Maria to the factory.

• Jo Dae-hee as Kim Hyung-wook

Corrupt rural police chief on Ju-chan’s payroll.

Sejung High School (episodes 3–4)

• Park Joon-mok as Park Jung-min

Rainbow Taxi's second client; a sophomore frequently subjected to bullying by peers.

• Choi Hyun-wook as Park Seung-tae

Jung-min’s schoolmate and primary bully.

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

Friends of Seung-tae who assist in harassing Jung-min.

U Data (episodes 5–8)

• Jeon Sung-il as Seo Young-min

Former U Data employee abused by chairman Park Yang-jin; Do-gi takes a personal interest in his case.

• Baek Hyun-jin portraying Park Yang-jin

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 involved in the U Data storyline.

• Ryu Yi-jae and Seo Han-gyeol as Ahn Jung-eun and Choi Min respectively; connected to Go-eun’s background.

Voice Phishing Organization (episodes 9–10)

• Shim So-young as Lim Bok-ja

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

• Kim Dae-gon portraying an employee under Lim Bok-ja.

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

• Lee Ho-cheol as Goo Young-tae

Twin sibling of Seok-tae and junior managing director at Nakwon C&C.

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

Supporting characters associated with Nakwon C&C activities.

Oh Chul-young (episodes 15–16)

• Yang Dong-tak as Oh Chul-young

A serial killer connected to pivotal past events affecting key characters and business narratives.

• Jeon Seok-chan portraying Kim Chul-jin

A man unjustly imprisoned related to Chul-young’s offenses.

• Ryu Sung-rok in dual roles as Han Dong-chan / Oh Hyun-soo

Son of Chul-young and prison guard, adding layers to the plot complexity.

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 case.

• Yoon Seok-hyun as Sang-man

Manager at Cheongeum International.

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

Oversees the illicit gambling division within Cheongeum International.

• Park Seong-geun as Kim Hyung-sub

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

Yongsori Village (episodes 3–4)

• Byun Joong-hee as Lee Im-soon

The second client of Rainbow Taxi Company, targeted by a fraud scheme orchestrated by Yoo Sang-gi.

• Ko Sang-ho as Yoo Sang-gi

Skilled con artist exploiting elderly individuals by reselling defective electronic products.

• Kang Young-taek portraying Lee Dong-geun

Gang affiliate working under Yoo Sang-gi.

• Yoo Dong-hoon as Goo Jae-seung

Another gang member serving Yoo Sang-gi.

• Lee Kwang-hoon in the role of Yong-chil

Phone vendor collaborating with Yoo Sang-gi's operations.

• Shin Kang-gyun as Lee Deok-goo

Senior citizen nearly victimized by Yoo Sang-gi’s scam.

Feel Consulting (episodes 5–6)

• Ahn Chae-heum as Hwang Seo-yeon

Third client of Rainbow Taxi Company, survivor of child abuse.

• Kim Do-yoon as Kang Pil-seung

Known as "Kang Pro," head of Feel Consulting, who suffers from mysophobia.

• Kwon Na-hyun playing Park So-mang

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

Fourth person to seek help from Rainbow Taxi Company, looking for her sister who joined a cult.

• Ahn Sung-woo as Ok Joo-man

Cult leader engaged in illicit activities.

• Jung Ji-woo portraying Lee Jin-seon

Sister of Jin-hee and victim within the cult.

• Seo Ji-soo as Joo-man’s partner

Jeil Chakhan Hospital (episodes 9–10)

• Jung Ki-seob as Han Jae-deok

Fifth client approaching Rainbow Taxi Company, protesting against Jeil Chakhan Hospital following medical negligence that left his daughter comatose.

• Lee Hang-na as Ahn Young-sook

Chief director at Jeil Chakhan Hospital.

• Kang Seol playing Han Soo-ryeon

Daughter of Jae-deok and athlete rendered comatose due to malpractice.

• Kim Jae-min as Gong Soo-ho

Manager in Meditopia's medical sales department acting on behalf of Young-sook.

• Kim Young-jin portraying Manager Kim

Close associate of Young-sook.

Black Sun (episodes 11–14)

• Baek Soo-jang as Kim Yong-min

Sixth client for Rainbow Taxi Company, former journalist at Hanbaek Ilbo newspaper.

• Jang In-sub playing Choi Seong-eun

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

• Kim Chae-eun as Windy

Operative affiliated with Black Sun organization.

• Jeon Woon-jong portraying Cho Gyeong-jang

Corrupt police officer allied with Black Sun’s interests.

• Go Geon-han as Victor

Idol and VIP member within Black Sun’s ranks.

• Lee Dal playing Min Jong-seon

Leader of Black Sun’s security personnel.

• Moon Jae-won as Yoo Moon-hyeon

Manager overseeing Black Sun operations.

• Jeon Jun-ho as No. 12

Member of Black Sun’s guard detail.

• Yoo Ji-yeon portraying Yang Mi-kyung

VIP participant in Black Sun.

Geumsa Organization (episodes 15–16)

• Park Ho-san as Park Min-geon

Known as the Bishop, he leads the Geumsa Organization and is scheming revenge against Rainbow Taxi Company and Do-Gi for undisclosed motives.

• Kim Chang-hwan portraying Lee Si-wan

Bank clerk reporting suspicious foreign exchange activities, wrongly 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 (episode 1)
• Lee Young-ae contributed a voice role
• Park Geun-hyung appeared as Sung-mi's spouse (episode 13)
• Park Jin-hee played Do Joong-won (episode 16)

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

• Ryu Hyun-kyung featured as Baek Kyung-mi (episode 16)

Sung-mi's younger sibling.

• Yoon Sung-yeo appeared (episode 15)

A genuine individual who was mistakenly convicted in the Hwaseong serial murders investigation.

Season 2

• Lee Young-ae provided voice work again
• Shim So-young portrayed Lim Bok-ja (episodes 1–2)
• Namkoong Min appeared as Chun Ji-hoon (episode 9)
• Yoo Seung-mok took on the role of Cho Jin-woo (episode 9)
• Cho Jung-sik and Joo Si-eun acted as talk show hosts (episode 10)
• Kim So-yeon featured as the first deluxe taxi driver (episode 16)
• Moon Chae-won played Oh Mi-seo (episode 16)
• Writer Oh Sang-ho appeared as a bartender (episode 16)
• Son Jung-woo also appeared as a bartender (episode 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 series such as Zombie Detective (2020), Bossam: Steal the Fate (2021), and Alice (2020).

Casting

The lead cast was announced on November 20, 2020, including Lee Je-hoon, Esom, Kim Eui-sung, and Lee Na-eun. However, following bullying allegations, Lee Na-eun was removed from the project on March 8, 2021, and replaced by Pyo Ye-jin two days later.

Filming

By March 8, 2021, approximately 60% of filming had been completed. All scenes involving Lee Na-eun were subsequently deleted and re-filmed with her replacement.

Season 2

Development

SBS confirmed the production of a second season on July 6, 2021.

Casting

Due to scheduling conflicts, Esom exited the cast. Nevertheless, Lee Je-hoon and Pyo Ye-jin returned to their roles, with script reading conducted on June 12, 2022. Additionally, Kim Eui-sung, Jang Hyuk-jin, and Bae Yoo-ram reprised their characters.

Filming

Production in Vietnam was temporarily suspended on July 15, 2022, after several crew members tested positive for COVID-19.

Season 3

Development

On April 16, 2023, SBS announced that a third season is underway.

Casting

The returning cast includes Lee Je-hoon, Pyo Ye-jin, Kim Eui-sung, and Bae Yoo-ram. The cast is joined by Edan Lui from Hong Kong boy band Mirror as part of a co-production with Viu.

Release

The initial teaser trailer and promotional poster were unveiled on December 31, 2020.

To support the launch of season two, Viu organized fan events featuring actor Lee Je-hoon in the Philippines (March 3, 2023), Indonesia (March 19, 2023), and Singapore (March 25, 2023). Lee also made an appearance at FilMart in Hong Kong. Viu reported that during its first ten days on the platform, season two ranked as its most viewed program across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

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 audience ratings (Season 1)
Ep.	Part	Original air date	Average viewer share
			Nielsen Korea		TNmS
			Nationwide	Seoul Capital Area	Nationwide
1	1	April 9, 2021	8.7% (7th place)	9.4% (5th place)	7.3% (10th place)
	2		10.7% (3rd place)	11.2% (3rd place)	8.7% (7th place)

• The blue figures indicate the lowest ratings, while the red figures highlight the highest.
• N/A signifies that ratings data were not released.

• Season one achieved an average nationwide rating of approximately Template:Color green, with the Seoul area averaging around Template:Color green.
• The second season saw an increase, with nationwide ratings close to Template:Color green and Seoul reaching about Template:Color green.
• Throughout both seasons, the series consistently placed within the top three in major markets, demonstrating strong audience interest.

Season Two Performance

• The second season debuted on February 17, 2023, marking significant growth in viewership.
• Several key episodes surpassed the Template:Color red mark nationally and within Seoul.
• Special installments and highlight episodes maintained steady audience numbers despite some lower averages.

• Nielsen Korea continues to serve as the primary measurement source for viewer ratings.
• TNmS provides additional data, although certain episodes lack published statistics.
• The series' robust ratings reinforce its status as a highly competitive program in South Korea's television landscape.

Awards and nominations

Details of award events, year, categories, nominees/works, and outcomes

Award Event	Year	Category	Nominee / Work	Outcome	Source
APAN Star Awards	2022	Top Excellence Award for Actor in a Miniseries	Lee Je-hoon	Template:Nom
		Best Supporting Actress	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 Genre/Fantasy Drama		Template:Won
		Excellence Award for Actress in Miniseries Genre/Fantasy Drama	Esom	Template:Won
			Pyo Ye-jin	Template:Nominated
		Best Supporting Actor in Miniseries Genre/Fantasy Drama	Kim Eui-sung	Template:Won
		Best Supporting Actress in Miniseries Genre/Fantasy Drama	Cha Ji-yeon	Template:Won
		Scene Stealer Award	Shim So-young	Template:Won
		Best New Actor	Choi Hyun-wook	Template:Won
		Best Supporting Team	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
		Best Supporting Actor in Seasonal Drama	Jang Hyuk-jin	Template:Won
			Bae Yoo-ram	Template:Won
		Netizen's Choice for 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

! scope="row" rowspan="2" |Seoul International Drama Awards ! rowspan="2" | 2021 ! Outstanding Hallyu Drama Award ! Taxi Driver ! ! |- ! Outstanding Korean Actor ! Lee Je-hoon ! ! |- }

External links

• Taxi Driver at Line Webtoon
• Taxi Driver at Tapas