Actress Jang Nara is set to undergo one of the most dramatic transformations of her career as she takes on a villain role in SBS’s hit Friday–Saturday drama Taxi Driver 3.
Taxi Driver 3 (written by Oh Sang-ho, directed by Kang Bo-seung) follows the secretive taxi company Rainbow Taxi and its driver Kim Do-gi (played by Lee Je-hoon), who delivers private revenge on behalf of victims failed by the justice system. Building on the massive success of its previous seasons, the third installment has been praised for its solid world-building, cinematic direction, and powerful performances, earning recognition for the exceptional synergy between writing, directing, and acting.
One of the key reasons behind the strong buzz surrounding Taxi Driver 3 is its season-exclusive lineup of villains. As an episodic series, Taxi Driver places just as much emphasis on the antagonists as on the core “Rainbow Heroes,” making each villain a central figure in their respective story arcs. For Season 3, the production raised the bar by casting leading-level actors as episode villains, further differentiating the series from past seasons.
Following appearances by popular Japanese actor Shō Kasamatsu, as well as Yoon Shi-yoon and Eum Moon-suk, anticipation has now shifted to the next villain — Jang Nara.
Jang Nara takes on the role of Kang Ju-ri, a former girl group member turned successful entertainment agency CEO. Beneath her polished public image lies a twisted inner world driven by greed and ambition. Known for her warm, lovable, and gentle on-screen persona, Jang Nara’s villain turn marks a striking departure from her usual roles — and notably, her first-ever full-fledged antagonist performance since debut.
With her reputation as a versatile actress and the element of surprise surrounding this casting, viewers are eager to see how Jang Nara will redefine herself in Taxi Driver 3 and contribute to the show’s expanding villain lineup.
Episode 9 of Taxi Driver 3 will air on Friday, December 19 at 9:50 p.m. (KST) on SBS.
Editor’s Insights: Jang Nara’s Villainous Pivot in ‘Taxi Driver 3’
Jang Nara’s performance as Kang Ju-ri in Taxi Driver 3 (Episodes 9–10) marks a historic turning point in her 24-year career, effectively shattering her long-standing “Nation’s Sweetheart” persona. By portraying a ruthless entertainment CEO who exploits idol trainees, Jang Nara tapped into a chilling, “refined malevolence” that caught both critics and viewers off guard. This strategic casting by SBS and Director Kang Bo-seung capitalized on the “unsettling contrast” between her naturally warm image and the calculated ruthlessness of her character. As of April 2026, her portrayal is being cited as the season’s most impactful villain arc, contributing significantly to the drama’s peak viewership of 15.6% and its No. 1 spot on the January Brand Reputation rankings.
From an editorial perspective, the “Kang Ju-ri Arc” served as a powerful social commentary on the dark underbelly of the K-pop industry, specifically targeting the abuse of power and trainee exploitation. Jang Nara’s ability to embody a character who is “deeply, irreparably damaged” added a layer of psychological depth that elevated the episode beyond a simple revenge fantasy. Pyo Ye-jin’s recent wrap-up interview (January 2026) further solidified this, describing Jang’s acting as “spine-chilling” and “genuinely evil.” As we move further into 2026, this successful pivot into antagonist territory has opened a new door for Jang Nara; she is no longer just a “trustworthy protagonist” but a versatile powerhouse capable of leading high-stakes noir and psychological thrillers.