In the episode aired on the 19th at 9:50 PM, the drama 'Taxi Driver 3' (directed by Kang Bo-seung, written by Oh Sang-ho) showcased an intriguing plot where Do-gi (played by Lee Je-hoon) goes undercover as a manager to expose a corrupt entertainment agency that pressures girl group trainees into sponsorship meetings, leading them to extreme measures.
According to Nielsen Korea, the 9th episode of 'Taxi Driver 3' achieved a peak rating of 13.3%, with 11.2% in the metropolitan area and 10.0% nationwide, ranking first among mini-series aired during the same time slot. The show also maintained its top position across all channels in December with a 2049 demographic rating of 3.4%, peaking at 4.2%.
While driving his taxi, Kim Do-gi encounters a distressed idol trainee, Romi (played by Oh Ga-bin). After Romi exits the taxi, she attempts to jump into a river, prompting Do-gi to dive in and rescue her. Through a note found among her belongings, Do-gi learns of Romi's dire situation. Despite hospital staff's objections, Romi leaves with her manager, Song Sil-jang (played by Choi Seung-jun), but refuses to return to her agency. Song Sil-jang's violent reaction to Romi's plea not to go back shocks viewers. Do-gi arrives just in time to rescue Romi once again.
Romi and her friend Jian (played by Yoon Ha-young) are preparing to debut as a girl group under the agency Yellow Star, enduring rigorous training and weight management under CEO Kang Ju-ri (played by Jang Na-ra). However, just before their debut, Romi finds herself in a compromising situation, waking up in an entertainment venue with no memory of how she got there. A video of the incident is sent to the agency, leading to blackmail.
Unable to explain the incident, Romi panics and seeks help from the director, who pressures her into a sponsorship relationship with the blackmailer. Fearing the consequences of a breach of contract and the potential ruin of everyone's dreams, Romi agrees to meet the blackmailer but flees in terror upon realizing the meeting place is the same venue. Overwhelmed, she attempts to end her life.
To clear Romi's name, uncovering the events of that night is crucial. CEO Jang (played by Kim Eui-sung), Chief Choi (played by Jang Hyuk-jin), and Chief Park (played by Bae Yu-ram) stage a fake prosecution raid to gather evidence from the CEO's office. A critical clue is found in a video on the computer, revealing the director as the perpetrator. It remains to be seen if CEO Kang Ju-ri is also involved. Determined to infiltrate the agency, Kim Do-gi eliminates Song Sil-jang, creating a vacancy for a manager, and successfully secures the position by feigning loyalty to Kang Ju-ri.
As the new manager of the group Elements, Kim Do-gi closely observes Kang Ju-ri, who soon reveals her true nature. Under the guise of 'mental coaching,' she slaps the members and instructs them to fake smiles, dismissing their genuine feelings. She orders Kim Do-gi to treat the members coldly and even equips him with a listening device. Furthermore, she imposes massive debts on the trainees under the pretense of investment and education.
As suspicions about Kang Ju-ri grow, the Rainbow Heroes identify the venue from Romi's video, and Kim Do-gi infiltrates it. On a day off, he finds Kang Ju-ri secretly drinking with a man. Sensing something amiss, Kang Ju-ri becomes aware of Kim Do-gi's presence, putting him at risk of exposure. The tension mounts as viewers wonder if Kim Do-gi can escape and what secrets Kang Ju-ri is hiding.
Jang Na-ra's special appearance leaves a lasting impression, portraying a successful yet ruthless CEO who justifies verbal and physical abuse and financial exploitation under the guise of 'training.' Her chilling performance, especially in the final scenes, raises curiosity about the dark secrets she harbors.
SBS's 'Taxi Driver 3' follows the story of the mysterious taxi company Rainbow Transport and driver Kim Do-gi as they seek revenge on behalf of wronged victims. The 10th episode is set to air on the 20th at 9:50 PM.
Reporter Chaeryeong Lim, TENASIA syjj426@tenasia.co.kr