SBS’s Friday-Saturday drama 'Taxi Driver 3' has shattered ratings, hitting 15.6% and claiming the top spot among all mini-series, while anticipation grows for Jang Na Ra’s upcoming appearance.
According to the production team, on December 15, Jang Na Ra will play Kang Joo Ri, the CEO of an entertainment agency and a former girl group member, marking her first full-fledged villain role since her debut. Behind her successful business persona, Kang Joo Ri hides greed and twisted intentions.
In the special poster released, Jang Na Ra captures attention with luxurious and sophisticated styling. Even more striking is the cold, chilling aura she exudes—unlike anything she has shown before. Her eyes, staring straight ahead, carry a sharp, icy edge, while the slight lift at the corners of her mouth hints at cunning. This completely new image leaves a lasting impression of Kang Joo Ri’s hidden side, contrasting sharply with Jang Na Ra’s familiar persona.
Jang Na Ra joins the cast as the fourth villain, following Kasamatsu Sho, Yoon Si Yoon, and Um Moon Seok, continuing the show’s reputation as a “villain haven.” Previously, Um Moon Seok’s third villain role left a strong impression with his chilling portrayal of Cheon Gwang Jin, a character involved in illegal gambling, match-fixing, murder, and family betrayal. The tension was heightened by his cruel gaze concealed behind a playful smile.
Viewers have expressed excitement, commenting: “The villains’ casting is intense for such a popular drama,” “Every episode is fun because of the villains,” “The episode with Jang Nara as a villain is the most anticipated,” “Can’t wait to see Jang Na Ra as a villain… super excited,” and “First time seeing Jang Na Ra in a villain role—really looking forward to it.”
The production team hinted, “Episodes 9 and 10 will directly address the exploitation, abuse of power, and corruption behind K-pop’s glittering success,” adding that “Jang Na Ra’s transformation from her usual kind image into a fierce villainess will be a unique element to watch.”
Lee Jae Hoon, who faces off against her, continues to drive the story with diverse transformations and action sequences this season. Disguised as Italian gentleman Lorenzo Kim, he has turned situations upside down and received praise for realistic action performed within limited spaces. Fans are eager to see the dynamic between the two actors in their upcoming confrontations.
Meanwhile, episode 8, which aired on December 13, recorded a peak viewership of 15.6%, with 12.9% in the metropolitan area and 12.3% nationwide. According to Nielsen Korea, these are the highest numbers since the start of season 3, placing the show first among programs in the same time slot. The demographic age group between 20s and 40s rating reached 4.1%, peaking at 5.19%, ranking number one across all channels for December.
This episode revealed the full story of a match-fixing murder case from 15 years ago. Cheon Gwang Jin, grandson of the first director of Jin Gwang University, approached players as a volleyball sponsor and lured Im Dong Hyun and Jo Sung Wook into illegal gambling. When Park Min Ho attempted to report it, Cheon Gwang Jin ordered the two players to kill him and buried his body in his grandmother’s grave. When Kim Do Gi discovered the remains through his plan, Cheon Gwang Jin tried to destroy evidence, intercepting the body during transport and even killing Im Dong Hyun and Jo Sung Wook to erase the crime chain.
Kim Do Gi confronted Cheon Gwang Jin head-on, leading to a showdown in an abandoned school where Cheon Gwang Jin opened live fight betting on Kim Do Gi’s life. Kim Do Gi fought barehanded against unknown assailants, dominating the entire hallway with a single hammer. In the final confrontation, he buried Cheon Gwang Jin in a pit of dirt, warning, “Think carefully until the last grain of sand falls. Is there even one person in this world who genuinely remembers you?”
'Taxi Driver 3' is a private revenge drama in which Kim Do Gi, a taxi driver for the Rainbow Taxi company, carries out vengeance on behalf of victims who have been wronged. Since its premiere on the 21st of last month with 9.5%, the series has steadily maintained double-digit ratings, peaking at 11.6% by episode 4, successfully continuing the legacy of seasons 1 (2021) and 2 (2023). The drama airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM.
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