Actor Lee Je Hoon spoke candidly about his emotional state, career goals, and hopes for romance in a recent interview following the successful conclusion of SBS’s hit drama “Taxi Driver 3.”
On January 19, Lee Je Hoon met with reporters at a café in Gangnam, Seoul, where he reflected on his busy schedule, personal growth, and life after completing another milestone season of the long running series.
A Defining Role and Career Peak
Lee Je Hoon has portrayed vigilante taxi driver Kim Do Gi since the first season of Taxi Driver in 2021. The drama, which centers on a secret revenge service that helps victims who were denied justice, has maintained strong ratings through all three seasons and became one of SBS’s most successful franchises.
Through the role, Lee not only created a signature character but also secured back to back SBS Acting Awards. He described the series as one of the most meaningful projects of his career.
“When people describe me as an actor, ‘Taxi Driver’ naturally comes up first,” he said. “It feels like my most representative work so far. But I still hope to find new roles and new characters that can define the next stage of my career.”
He added that he looks forward to future seasons and new challenges that allow him to expand his acting range.
Life Without Breaks
Despite the show’s success, Lee revealed that he has never taken a proper reward vacation after completing a season.
“We started filming overseas again for season three, just like season two,” he said with a laugh. “People joked that we were told to work and rest at the same time. If season four happens, maybe then we can finally enjoy a trip together.”
He described 2025 as the busiest year of his life, juggling film releases and two productions at the same time.
“It was an impossible schedule, but I gave everything I had. I do not regret it at all. I do not know if I will ever experience a year that intense again, but I still want to keep working more.”
Managing Health and Action Scenes
Known for performing demanding action scenes, Lee said physical management has become a top priority.
“I always try to stay in the best condition possible. Injuries happen often with this kind of work, so I pay close attention to what I eat and how I rest,” he explained.
He shared that his routine includes avoiding unhealthy habits, moving frequently even indoors, and focusing on proper sleep.
“Sleep is very important. It affects everything,” he said.
Love and Emotional Burnout
When asked about romance, Lee gave one of his most honest answers of the interview.
“I experience love indirectly through dramas and movies,” he said with a smile. “I want to experience it myself, but it has been so long that I feel my emotions toward dating have dried up. I want to try to let them grow again.”
He added that he recently traveled alone to New York after finishing filming, walking more than 20,000 steps a day through Manhattan and enjoying the simple freedom.
“It was one of the happiest moments I have had recently,” he said.
Looking Toward the Future
As he prepares for upcoming projects and possible future seasons of Taxi Driver, Lee Je Hoon said he continues to imagine where he will be in five or ten years.
“I want to keep growing, keep challenging myself, and become a clearer version of who I am,” he said.
From career peaks to personal reflections, Lee Je Hoon’s interview revealed an actor at a turning point, successful yet thoughtful, busy yet quietly searching for balance, love, and new inspiration.
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