SBS’ Friday-Saturday drama "Taxi Driver 3" (written by Oh Sang-ho, directed by Kang Bo-seung) reclaimed its blockbuster status right out of the gate. The premiere ranked No. 1 among all programs in its time slot and posted the highest first-episode rating for any 2025 miniseries to date, peaking at 11.1% with a 9.9% average. Episode 2 climbed even higher, hitting a 12.2% peak, while the all-important 20-49 demo topped out at 4.4%―No. 1 among all broadcasts that week (Nielsen Korea, Seoul Capital Area).
The OTT momentum is just as strong. According to FlixPatrol, "Taxi Driver 3" shot to No. 1 on Netflix’s TV chart in Korea the moment it launched―and has held the top spot. It also dominated Kinolights’ overall content ranking for the third week of November, finishing No. 1 across dramas, films, and variety titles and outpacing the competition.
Buzz indicators tell the same story. Good Data Corporation’s FUNdex ranked "Taxi Driver 3" No. 1 in combined TV-OTT buzz for Nov. 17-23, with star Lee Je-hoon (as Kim Do-gi) landing the top spot in the drama performer category.
The heat is spreading beyond Korea. Viu reports that the series, released overseas as a Viu Original, ranked No. 1 over the weekend across major Southeast Asian markets, Hong Kong, and the GCC region. Early episodes lean into overseas location work and feature a special cameo by Hong Kong idol-actor Edan Lui of MIRROR―elements that helped turbocharge anticipation and engagement across international social platforms.
Next up, Episode 3 teases the team’s second revenge-for-hire mission, this time targeting a “used-car scam cartel.” Guest star Yoon Shi-yoon appears as this week’s villain, setting the stage for a high-stakes face-off with Lee Je-hoon that’s already generating chatter.
"Taxi Driver 3" airs Episode 3 on Friday, Nov. 28 at 9:50 p.m. KST.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)
