How Lee Je-hoon and *Taxi Driver 3* Didn’t Just Win — They Shifted the Narrative

The Win No One Simply ‘Expected’

On December 31, 2025, at the SBS Drama Awards, something historic happened: Lee Je-hoon didn’t just win the Grand Prize — he won it for the *second time* playing the same character, Kim Do-gi, in the *Taxi Driver* franchise.

That’s not just repeating success. That’s rewriting what a drama legacy looks like in the awards era.

And it wasn’t just him. *Taxi Driver 3* also walked away with Drama of the Year. That kind of sweep doesn’t just feel like dominance — it feels like inevitability in hindsight.

Fans Didn’t Just Cheer — They Felt Understood

When Lee Je-hoon accepted the Grand Prize, he didn’t give the usual thank-you speech. He talked about *why* this role matters — and it wasn’t about how cool he looks on camera.

He credited the cast, the crew, and most importantly, the viewers who showed up week after week to experience the frustration, anger, and justice-seeking alongside Kim Do-gi.

That’s the core of *Taxi Driver*’s fan impact: it’s not about escapism. It’s about catharsis — sitting with uncomfortable feelings together, episode after episode.

The Director’s Take Showed How Serious This Was

Director Kang Bo-seung also spoke in a way that made people stop and think. He said that the cast and crew breathe the same air as the viewers — that the societal pain explored in the series is not fictional background noise, but lived experience.

That kind of acknowledgment is rare in K-drama award speeches. Most directors keep it vague. Kang chose honesty.

The Supporting Cast Who Didn’t Get Lost in the Spotlight

The supporting actors also got recognized — and that’s a big deal for fans.

Yoon Si-yoon and Kasama Sho, who played the villains that challenged Kim Do-gi’s worldview, received praise specifically for bringing depth and humanity to morally complex roles.

Kim Ui-sung won Best Performance. To teenage fans, this wasn’t just “side character recognition.” It was a validation that *great storytelling comes from a committed ensemble,* not just one star.

What This Signals for K-Drama in 2026

Here’s why this moment matters beyond the awards shelves.

SBS — a broadcast network often seen as more conservative than cable or OTT platforms — didn’t just give out trophies. They *made a statement* about what mainstream audiences are looking for.

Shows that grapple with social issues, present morally gray characters, and trust the audience to handle discomfort are no longer niche. They can compete with rom-coms and fantasy dramas — and win big.

This isn’t just about 2025’s best drama. It’s about a shift in what storytelling *feels like* for today’s fans — viewers who don’t just want entertainment, but want narratives that feel like conversations about the world they live in.

The Real Takeaway

Lee Je-hoon and *Taxi Driver 3* didn’t just secure awards — they confirmed a cultural moment. Fans are no longer asking for simple comfort stories. They’re asking for dramas that think, feel, and resonate. And the industry is finally answering.

If you haven’t watched *Taxi Driver 3* yet — maybe this is the sign. Because this is the kind of recognition that doesn’t just honor a season. It honors a *change* in how stories connect with audiences.