Hong Kong pop idol and actor Edan Lui (呂爵安) of MIRROR fame is making a significant international leap, joining the cast of the highly anticipated South Korean drama series, Taxi Driver 3. The season premiered tonight in South Korea, with audiences in Hong Kong being able to stream the episodes starting this weekend via Viu, marking a major milestone for the popular Cantonese star as he takes on a demanding, bilingual role.
Lui enters the established franchise, known for its gripping social commentary and vigilante justice themes, portraying an International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) detective. This role represents a notable shift from the comedic persona fans often associate with him, demanding a serious and focused portrayal delivered entirely in English dialogue.
A Change of Pace and Linguistic Challenge
The casting of Lui in the global hit signals a growing trend of cross-regional collaboration within the Asian entertainment industry. To prepare for the part, Lui demonstrated a high level of commitment, traveling to South Korea ahead of filming to participate in script readings, costume fittings, and makeup sessions alongside the local production team.
Lui’s primary challenge was mastering the sustained English dialogue required for his character. He dedicated substantial time to honing his proficiency and ensuring the fluency of his conversational English, a necessary step for integrating seamlessly into the international law enforcement narrative.
Recent publicity stills offer a glimpse into the star’s serious new look. In one image, Lui, dressed sharply in a white shirt overlaid with a black leather jacket and matching trousers, stands next to a vending machine. Another photo captures a high-stakes moment: Lui standing on a rooftop with series lead Lee Je-hoon, both staring intently in the same direction, hinting at the intense and potentially fluctuating dynamic between their characters.
Filming Locations and Character Dynamics
Production for Lui’s scenes reportedly took place in Japan, adding further international scope to the already geographically varied series. The relationship between Lui’s Interpol detective and Lee Je-hoon’s central character, Kim Do-gi, is expected to be fraught with tension and complexity, central to the season’s overarching conflict.
For Hong Kong artists, succeeding in the highly competitive K-drama market is a rare achievement, underscoring Lui’s rising profile in the region. His turn in Taxi Driver 3 not only broadens his acting portfolio but also introduces him to a massive global audience already captivated by Korean content.
Fans across the region can watch Taxi Driver 3 starting today, with new episodes airing every Friday and Saturday night exclusively on Viu platforms, charting the serious new chapter in Edan Lui’s evolving acting career.