Seoul, January 29, 2024 – Enthusiasts of South Korean entertainment are beginning the year with a robust selection of new and returning series, spanning gripping crime dramas, introspective emotional journeys, and popular reality programming available on streaming platforms like Viu. This month’s cultural offerings highlight both the continued success of established franchises and the debut of compelling narratives exploring themes of justice, romance, and personal growth.
“Taxi Driver” Star Makes History; Season Finale Nears
The third season of the popular vigilante action series, Taxi Driver 3, culminates this week, buoyed by the historic success of lead actor Lee Je-hoon. Lee recently secured the prestigious Daesang (Grand Prize) at the SBS Drama Awards for the second consecutive year, becoming the first actor to win the top accolade for the same series franchise, a testament to the show’s enduring cultural impact and industry recognition.
The narrative momentum of Taxi Driver 3 has intensified as the Rainbow Taxi team investigates a sophisticated fraud ring operating from the isolated Samheung Island. Disguised as a legitimate organization, the group uses locations like temples and seafood restaurants to manage a “crime start-up.” The latest plot advancement saw team leader Kim Do-gi (Lee Je-hoon) forced to confront the organization’s leader alone after his colleagues were kidnapped. Using sharp wit and tactical deception, Do-gi secured a temporary advantage and rescued the team. With the integration of a new client—a reporter seeking retribution after investigating the same group—the Rainbow Taxi team is set to deliver their final act of restorative justice, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the finale and clamoring for a fourth season.
Romance and Suspense Intertwine in New Series
Among the new offerings is The Idol’s Fanatic, a romantic suspense drama starring Choi Soo-young and Kim Jae-young. The series follows a celebrity lawyer, Meng Se-na, who strives to clear her favorite idol, Do Rae-ik, of a seemingly fabricated murder charge. As the two move closer to uncovering the truth, their connection deepens, complicated by Se-na’s initial decision to conceal her fan identity and the sudden appearance of Rae-ik’s enigmatic ex-flame, Hong Hye-joo. The show highlights the shifting boundaries between professional allegiance and personal affection.
In contrast, Love Me, adapted from a Swedish series, is an emotional drama that centers on obstetrician Seo Jung-kyung (Seo Hyun-jin) as she navigates professional success and personal longing. Her life shifts upon meeting Joo Do-hyun (Jang Ryul), a man who challenges her carefully crafted façade. Recent episodes delved into the profound conflicts within Jung-kyung’s family: her explosive first encounter with Do-hyun’s resisting son, the turmoil surrounding her father’s new mature-age romance, and her younger brother’s emotional fallout after a breakup. The series explores complex family dynamics and the challenging path toward healing and self-acceptance.
Variety Shows Offer Nostalgia and Candid Moments
The unscripted content landscape continues to thrive with two notable releases. The variety show Just an Excuse 4 features hosts Yoo Jae-suk and Yoo Yeon-seok interacting with the public across various locations. A recent episode highlighted the infectious nervousness of guest Shin Si-a, a dedicated fan of Yoo Jae-suk, underscoring the host’s legendary status.
Meanwhile, the cast of the celebrated drama Reply 1988 reunited for a 10th-anniversary special, a two-day trip featuring actors like Lee Hyeri, Park Bo-gum, and Go Kyung-pyo. The reunion generated emotional moments, particularly the surprise appearance of actress Kim Seol, who played the character Jin-joo. Actor Sung Dong-il also recounted a meaningful scene with Park Bo-gum, leading to a heartfelt moment when the actor, mirroring his character’s experience of early maternal loss, was moved to tears.
Finally, the popular reality dating show Transit Love 4 captured the often-painful dynamics of ex-couples living together. The current season has focused on the escalating tensions between Hyun-ji and Yu-sik, whose budding connection has visibly distressed Yu-sik’s ex-partner, Min-kyung, illustrating the difficult emotional stakes inherent in the program’s format. These programs collectively underscore the continued global appetite for diverse, high-quality Korean entertainment.
