The hit SBS drama Taxi Driver 3 is gearing up for one of its most talked‑about episodes yet, as a legendary new villain finally arrives. Episode 9, airing on December 19, introduces Jang Nara in a shocking role reversal that has fans buzzing: the beloved actress takes on her first major villain role as Kang Joo‑ri, the ruthless CEO of a major entertainment agency.
In the newly released teaser, Kang Joo‑ri is first seen leading auditions and training sessions for a soon‑to‑debut girl group, seemingly warm and dedicated as she tells trainees, “I’m putting everything I have into you.” But the tone shifts dramatically in subsequent shots, revealing her true nature: she blackmails hopeful idols by holding their dreams hostage, using an employee’s debut as leverage to control others. Behind the polished exterior lies a manipulative, cut‑throat executive driven by greed and exploitation—a classic villain archetype hidden beneath a friendly guise.
To confront this corrupt figure, Kim Do‑gi goes undercover as a manager within her agency. The teaser shows him admonishing abusive practices, even declaring, “Let’s replace that manager.” With this bold move, the Rainbow Heroes are poised to take aim at the heart of industry exploitation.
The teaser has already amassed over 2.6 million views across SBS’s official YouTube channels in just four days, reflecting intense viewer interest in this dramatic twist. Casting Jang Nara as a villain is being called a “shocking choice,” given her long career portraying lovable, warm characters—most notably in the SBS drama Good Partner, where she played a compassionate divorce lawyer.
In posters released ahead of the episode, Jang Nara’s elegant and sophisticated styling still carries an icy, unsettling aura—hinting at the chilling depth she brings to Kang Joo‑ri. According to the production team, episodes 9 and 10 will focus on the dark underbelly of K‑pop success: how trainee dreams are exploited and manipulated by those in power.
Taxi Driver 3 has already captured audiences with its parade of memorable villains, including performances by Japanese actor Kasamatsu Sho, Yoon Shi‑yoon, and Eum Moon‑suk—each leaving a strong impression before Jang Nara steps into the fray as the fourth major antagonist.
Producers shared their confidence in Jang Nara’s performance, saying, “She’s grown into a trusted actor with a rich filmography. Her transformation from warm heroine to fierce villain will be a fresh highlight for viewers.”
The series continues to break records, boasting a 15.6% peak rating and strong viewership in the Seoul metropolitan area. Its popularity among the key 2049 demographic (viewers aged 20~49) reached averages of 4.1%, with highs of 5.19%, making Taxi Driver 3 the No. 1 program across all channels during its December broadcast. Praised for its tightly woven world, cinematic direction, and dynamic performances, the show has been called “a masterclass in dramatic pacing.”
Episode 9 of Taxi Driver 3 is scheduled to air at 9:50 PM on December 19, promising to elevate the series’ villain legacy with Jang Nara’s unforgettable turn.
Sources: wikitree
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