Taxi Driver
"Taxi Driver" is a thrilling Korean drama that takes viewers on an intense ride of revenge and justice. Starring Lee Je Hoon as Kim Do Ki, a former Special Forces officer turned enigmatic deluxe taxi driver, the story delves into a secretive organization that operates outside the law to avenge victims failed by the justice system. Kim Do Ki's mission, fueled by personal tragedy, is nothing short of riveting. Working for the mysterious Rainbow Taxi Company, Do Ki is joined by a dynamic team. Kim Eui Sung plays Jang Sung Chul, the compassionate leader who shares a deep connection with the victims. Pyo Ye Jin stars as Ahn Go Eun, a brilliant hacker with a haunting past, while Esom portrays prosecutor Kang Ha Na, who persistently seeks the truth, often clashing with the Rainbow Taxi crew's methods. The drama unfolds through high-stakes missions where victims’ stories of betrayal and pain take center stage. From tracking down vicious criminals to exacting poetic justice, each episode combines action, suspense, and emotional depth, showcasing the harsh realities of a flawed legal system. The series masterfully weaves character-driven narratives with pulse-pounding action sequences. With its compelling performances, particularly by Lee Je Hoon, "Taxi Driver" explores themes of morality, justice, and redemption. The gripping storytelling, supported by a talented ensemble cast, makes this series a must-watch for fans of action-packed revenge dramas with a touch of heart.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 모범택시
🌎 Also Known As: Model Taxi, Deluxe Taxi, Red Cage
🎭 Genres: Action, Thriller, Crime, Drama
🏷 Tags: Revenge, Strong Male Lead, Adapted From A Webtoon, Investigation, Secret Organization
✍ Screenwriters: Oh Sang Ho, Lee Ji Hyun
🎬 Director: Park Joon Woo
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 16
🗓️ Aired: April 9, 2021 – May 29, 2021
📅 Airing Days: Friday, Saturday
📺 Original Network: SBS
⏰ Duration: 1 hour 5 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 18+ Restricted (violence & profanity)
Best Scenes
- Do Ki’s Undercover Missions: Lee Je Hoon’s portrayal of Kim Do Ki showcases his versatility as he adopts various disguises to infiltrate criminal organizations.
- Go Eun’s Emotional Breakdown: Pyo Ye Jin delivers a powerful performance as Ahn Go Eun confronts her sister’s tragic fate, highlighting the personal stakes involved.
- Ha Na’s Moral Dilemma: Esom’s character, Kang Ha Na, faces a compelling conflict between upholding the law and acknowledging the taxi team’s unconventional methods.
- Sung Chul’s Confrontation with Baek Sung Mi: Kim Eui Sung and Cha Ji Yeon engage in a tense standoff, revealing the complexities of their characters’ motivations.
- Final Showdown: The climactic battle between the Rainbow Taxi team and their adversaries provides a satisfying conclusion to the season.
Filming Locations
- Yongma Land: This abandoned amusement park in Seoul serves as a backdrop for pivotal chase scenes, adding an eerie atmosphere to the drama.
- Incheon Chinatown: The vibrant streets of Incheon’s Chinatown are featured in episode 2, enhancing the show’s diverse urban settings.
- Hapcheon Movie Theme Park: Known for its historical sets, this location recreates Korea from the 1920s to the 1980s and is used for various scenes.
- Seoul Fortress Wall: Offering panoramic views of the city, this historic site adds depth to the drama’s setting.
- Cheonggyecheon Stream: This serene stream in Seoul provides a contrasting backdrop to the show’s intense narrative.
Visual Design and Costumes
- Dynamic Lighting: The series employs contrasting light and shadow to underscore the moral ambiguities faced by the characters.
- Symbolic Color Palette: A deliberate use of colors, such as red for vengeance and blue for justice, enhances the storytelling.
- Authentic Costuming: Characters’ attire reflects their backgrounds, with Do Ki’s disguises showcasing meticulous attention to detail.
- Modern Urban Aesthetics: The sleek design of the Rainbow Taxi headquarters mirrors the team’s sophisticated operations.
- Realistic Action Sequences: Choreographed fight scenes are complemented by practical effects, adding to the show’s gritty realism.
Themes and Messages
- Vigilante Justice: The series explores the moral complexities of taking the law into one’s own hands.
- Systemic Corruption: It highlights the failures within legal systems that allow criminals to evade justice.
- Redemption and Forgiveness: Characters grapple with their pasts, seeking redemption through their actions.
- The Cost of Revenge: The narrative delves into the personal toll that vengeance can exact on individuals.
- Empowerment of the Marginalized: The show emphasizes giving a voice to victims overlooked by society.
Interesting Facts
- Webtoon Adaptation: The drama is based on the webtoon “The Deluxe Taxi” by Carlos and Lee Jae-jin.
- Real-Life Inspirations: Some storylines are inspired by actual crimes in South Korea, adding a layer of authenticity.
- Critical Acclaim: The series received praise for its performances and storytelling, achieving high viewership ratings.
- Multiple Seasons: Due to its popularity, “Taxi Driver” has been renewed for additional seasons, with the second season airing in 2023.
- Cameo Appearances: Notable actors make special appearances throughout the series, adding to its appeal.
Awards
“Taxi Driver,” the acclaimed South Korean drama, has garnered several prestigious awards:
- 2021 SBS Drama Awards:
- Best Actor: Lee Je-hoon
- Excellent Actress: Esom
- Best Supporting Actor: Kim Eui-sung
- Best Supporting Actress: Cha Ji-yeon
- Scene Stealer Award: Shim So-young
- Best New Actor: Choi Hyun-wook
- 2023 SBS Drama Awards:
- Grand Prize (Daesang): Lee Je-hoon
- Excellence Award, Actor in a Seasonal Drama: Shin Jae-ha
- Excellence Award, Actress in a Seasonal Drama: Pyo Ye-jin
- Best Supporting Actor in a Miniseries Genre/Fantasy Drama: Bae Yoo-ram and Jang Hyuk-jin
- Scene Stealer Award: Ko Sang-ho and Byun Joong-hee
- Best Young Actress: Ahn Chae-heum
- Netizen’s Choice Drama of the Year: “Taxi Driver 2”
These accolades highlight the series’ exceptional performances and compelling storytelling.
Real-Life Loves on Set
As of now, there have been no confirmed reports of real-life romantic relationships among the cast members of the South Korean drama “Taxi Driver.” Lead actor Lee Je Hoon, who portrays Kim Do Ki, has maintained a private personal life and has not publicly disclosed any romantic involvements. In a 2016 interview, he mentioned being single for six years, focusing on his acting career.
Similarly, other main cast members, including Esom (Kang Ha Na), Kim Eui Sung (Jang Sung Chul), and Pyo Ye Jin (Ahn Go Eun), have not been publicly linked to any off-screen romances related to the series.
