On the episode aired on the 20th at 9:50 PM, 'Taxi Driver 3' (directed by Kang Bo-seung, written by Oh Sang-ho) showcased Kim Do-gi (played by Lee Je-hoon) and the 'Rainbow Heroes' dismantling the corrupt empire of villain Kang Ju-ri (played by Jang Na-ra), who exploited trainees' dreams with unfair contracts and coercion. They successfully launched the girl group Elements, proving their heroic nature.
According to Nielsen Korea, the 10th episode of 'Taxi Driver 3' achieved a peak rating of 15.4%, with 12.5% in the metropolitan area and 11.9% nationwide, securing the top spot in its time slot and among Saturday mini-series. It also dominated the 2049 demographic with a peak of 4.4% and an average of 3.7%, showcasing its unrivaled presence during the year-end season.
The episode began with a glimpse into Kang Ju-ri's past. Once a girl group member, she was forced to perform despite a leg injury, leading to an accident that cost her both her leg and her dreams. In a twisted turn, she began to ruin the lives of trainees with similar dreams to compensate for her own failures. Kim Do-gi infiltrated a nightclub where Kang Ju-ri and music show PD Lee An-jun (played by Lee Sung-woo) were meeting, confirming his suspicions about her.
Meanwhile, Elements proceeded with their debut stage despite Romi's absence. When Jian (played by Yoon Ha-young) suddenly fainted before rehearsal, Kim Do-gi stepped in as a temporary member, flawlessly executing the choreography and ensuring a successful debut.
Kim Do-gi gained Kang Ju-ri's trust by pretending to be willing to do anything for her, leading her to reveal her true, sinister nature. It was uncovered that Kang Ju-ri and her associates forced trainees into sponsorship arrangements, with music show PD Lee An-jun complicit in their schemes. Kang Ju-ri never intended to make Elements stars; their training was merely preparation for entertaining sponsors, and the debut stage was just a showcase for them. Kim Do-gi was enraged, and the 'Rainbow Heroes' launched their revenge service, heightening the drama.
Kim Do-gi began his retribution by destroying the car of Kang Ju-ri's right-hand man, signaling the start of a powerful lesson. The next targets were Kang Ju-ri's VIP sponsors. Choi Ju-im (played by Jang Hyuk-jin) and Park Ju-im (played by Bae Yoo-ram) disguised themselves as Elements members and infiltrated the sponsor meeting, delivering a satisfying comeuppance. Simultaneously, Ahn Go-eun (played by Pyo Ye-jin) broadcasted a recording of Kang Ju-ri and PD Lee's shady dealings during a live show, leading to PD Lee's downfall.
The final confrontation between Kim Do-gi and Kang Ju-ri reached a climax. As news of Kang Ju-ri's true nature broke, she fled to her penthouse rooftop. Seeking 'Manager Do-gi,' she was met by 'Taxi Hero Do-gi.' He echoed her past insults to trainees, declaring, "You were the one falling after a single failure." Kang Ju-ri, unrepentant, retorted with disdain for the trainees' futures.
In response, Kim Do-gi used drones to broadcast Kang Ju-ri's true face live. Haunted by her past stage accident, Kang Ju-ri backed away and fell from the rooftop, rejecting Kim Do-gi's final attempt to save her. Her dramatic end left a lasting impact. Meanwhile, with Romi's return, Elements completed their debut, buoyed by public support.
SBS's 'Taxi Driver 3' is a private revenge drama featuring the mysterious taxi company Rainbow Transport and driver Kim Do-gi, who avenges wronged victims. It airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM.
Reporter: Im Chae-ryeong, TenAsia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr