Taxi Driver (2021 South Korean Television Series)

Taxi Driver (Korean: 모범택시; RR: Mobeomtaxi) is a South Korean television series that aired on SBS from April 9 to May 29, 2021. The series, which spans 16 episodes, explores themes of vigilante justice through the operations of a clandestine service.

Plot

The story follows Kim Do-Gi (played by Lee Je-Hoon), a former UDT (Underwater Demolition Team) official whose life is irrevocably altered after his mother is murdered by a serial killer. He eventually joins the Rainbow Taxi Company, an organization that operates a specialized "revenge-call" service. Unlike a standard taxi company, this group provides a platform for victims who have been failed by the legal system to seek retribution against their tormentors.

Production

The drama is based on the webcomic Mobeomtaxi, written by Carlos and illustrated by Lee Jae-Jin. The series was directed by Park Joon-Woo, with screenwriting duties shared by Oh Sang-Ho (episodes 1–10) and Lee Ji-Hyun (episodes 11–16). The series occupied the Friday and Saturday 22:00 time slot on SBS, following The Penthouse 2 and preceding The Penthouse 3.

During the production phase, casting changes occurred when actress Lee Na-Eun, originally cast as the character Ahn Go-Eun, withdrew from the project in March 2021 following public controversy regarding bullying allegations involving her and her former bandmates.

Cast

The series features an ensemble cast, including:

Lee Je-Hoon as Kim Do-Gi
Esom as Kang Ha-Na
Kim Eui-Sung as Jang Sung-Chul
Pyo Ye-Jin as Ahn Go-Eun
Jang Hyuk-Jin as Choi Kyung-Koo
Bae Yoo-Ram as Park Jin-Eon

Lee Je-Hoon, who portrays the lead character Kim Do-Gi.

Esom, who portrays prosecutor Kang Ha-Na.

Franchise

The success of the 2021 series led to the development of a multi-season franchise, with subsequent installments released in 2023 and planned for 2025.