Actor Lee Je-hoon has shared honest thoughts about the demanding production of Taxi Driver 3, revealing both the physical challenges and the strong sense of responsibility he felt returning to the beloved franchise.
Lee Je-hoon recently appeared in a New Year pictorial and interview with the fashion and entertainment magazine The Star. Under the theme “Lee Je-hoon’s Winter Morning,” the photoshoot captured his calm and cozy everyday moments, from relaxing in bed to preparing to head out, highlighting a softer side that contrasts with his intense on-screen roles.
Lee emphasized that the entire production team shared a common goal of delivering stronger storytelling and greater emotional impact. According to him, the cast and crew worked with the mindset that the third season needed to feel upgraded, as audience expectations naturally rise with long-running series.
He also reflected on his approach to the character Kim Do-gi, noting that he spent additional time refining not only the main role but also the various identities and situations the character takes on throughout the story. Casting strong antagonists was another priority, as Lee believes compelling villains are essential to the show’s tension and satisfaction.
When comparing himself to Kim Do-gi, Lee admitted the two are fundamentally different, describing the character as someone far removed from his real-life personality. Despite that distance, Kim Do-gi remains one of the roles he feels most attached to, even joking that the character would be the most reliable companion in a survival situation.
Looking beyond the series, Lee shared his personal philosophy as an actor. Rather than chasing a single image or genre, he hopes audiences feel they gain something meaningful from his performances, whether that be emotion, reflection, or simple enjoyment.
Taxi Driver 3 continues to air every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 p.m. KST on SBS.
Editor’s Insight
The conclusion of SBS’s Taxi Driver 3 on January 10, 2026, has officially turned the “Kim Do-gi” persona into a permanent cultural icon. While Season 2 reached a massive 21% peak, Season 3 carved out its own legacy by maintaining a steady, dominant 14.2% average nationwide and securing the #1 brand reputation spot for K-dramas in early 2026.
What makes Lee Je-hoon’s reflection in The Star so grounded is his admission of the sheer “burden” of the role. For the first time, we see the actor pull back the curtain on the physical and mental exhaustion behind the “Dark Hero.” Between performing girl group dances that left him “almost in tears” from a month of practice and tackling a high-stakes military-base finale, Lee Je-hoon isn’t just playing a character anymore—he’s maintaining a franchise.