The gripping South Korean vigilante drama, Taxi Driver 3, has once again cemented its dominance on streaming, achieving standout viewership figures while exposing the deeply entrenched corruption within the entertainment industry. The Viu Original series, led by acclaimed actor Lee Je-hoon as the enigmatic Kim Do-gi, captured a peak rating of 15.4% for its latest episode, marking its tenth consecutive win in its time slot and generating significant online discussion surrounding corporate exploitation.
The latest arc saw the resourceful Rainbow Taxi company shift its focus from sporting match manipulation to tackling a malicious K-pop management agency, providing justice for aspiring young female artists trapped in predatory financial schemes.
Unmasking the Entertainment Industry’s Hidden Abuses
Following their successful dismantling of a sports betting ring, the Rainbow Taxi team—operating as a collective dedicated to vengeance on behalf of victims failed by the system—targeted Yellow Star Entertainment. The mission began after Kim Do-gi accidentally picked up Lu-mi (Oh Ga-bin), a trainee who immediately attempted self-harm upon leaving the taxi, fortunately being rescued by Do-gi.
Further investigation revealed that Lu-mi and her friend Ji-an (Yoon Ha-yeong) were on the verge of debuting in a five-member girl group called “Elements.” However, their dreams were abruptly sabotaged when Lu-mi was coerced into a solo recording session late one night, only to wake up drugged in a nightclub and subsequently blackmailed with hidden camera footage.
When the memory-lapsed trainee sought help from her company and CEO Kang Ju-ri (guest star Jang Na-ra), she was chillingly presented with a “solution”: date the blackmailer for a year or jeopardize the entire group’s debut. This storyline explicitly highlighted the perilous world of unjust contracts, financial servitude (where trainees accumulated debts reportedly reaching 40 million Korean won monthly), and non-consensual exploitation, sparking outrage among viewers who questioned the ethics of the ruthless industry.
Jang Na-ra Delivers Chilling Performance as Corrupt CEO
A central element of this storyline was the complex villainy embodied by actress Jang Na-ra, playing CEO Kang Ju-ri. Flashbacks revealed Ju-ri was once a successful idol herself until a tragic stage accident required her to undergo an amputation, shattering her dreams. This professional devastation fueled a bitter resentment, leading her to prey on the aspirations of others.
It was revealed that Ju-ri never intended for the trainees to debut as genuine artists. The so-called debut showcase was merely a pre-arranged “exhibit” for wealthy sponsors and clients, enhancing the girls’ value for subsequent high-priced “escort services.” Ju-ri frequently used abusive tactics, including demanding managers install wiretaps and physically assaulting trainees under the guise of “psychological coaching.” Netizens praised Jang Na-ra’s transformation into the calculating antagonist, describing her performance as one that skillfully balanced cruelty with underlying tragedy.
Do-gi Goes Undercover as Idol Manager
To infiltrate the deeply corrupted system, Kim Do-gi once again adopted a flawless alter ego, successfully posing as the group’s manager. He witnessed the inequitable treatment firsthand and discovered the magnitude of the trainees’ debt contracts.
The infiltration culminated on the eve of Elements’ debut rehearsal. When Ji-an abruptly collapsed from stress, Do-gi was forced to step in as a temporary member. Displaying surprising proficiency, the vigilante driver showcased dance moves he had observed, guiding the group through their first performance. Lee Je-hoon’s on-stage appearance garnered widespread applause from viewers who lauded his seamless integration with the professional idol choreography, further showcasing the character’s versatile skills.
Justice Delivered by the Rainbow Team
The climax unfolded as Ju-ri attempted to force the elements members to meet with powerful sponsors. In a meticulously coordinated operation, Do-gi rammed the vehicle carrying the intended victims, while Rainbow teammates Choi and Park, disguised as members of the group, infiltrated the VIP entertainment venue where the sponsors were waiting.
Meanwhile, hacker Go Eun (Pyo Ye-jin) successfully live-streamed a private meeting between CEO Ju-ri and a high-ranking television producer, exposing their conspiracy to the public. Cornered and exposed, Ju-ri sought refuge on a rooftop terrace. When she called her manager—only to find Do-gi waiting as the taxi driver—he delivered a sharp indictment of her inability to cope with her past failure, which she projected onto the trainees.
As dozens of surveillance drones broadcasted her panic live, Ju-ri was left facing the consequences of her actions, completing the Rainbow Taxi team’s mission to ensure corporate exploiters are held accountable for shattering young dreams. Viewers can catch the ongoing drama and subsequent missions exclusively on Viu.
