In the December 19 broadcast of SBS’s Friday-Saturday drama Taxi Driver 3, Jang Na-ra presented a surprisingly dark side of her character, Kang Joo-ri, the CEO of the entertainment agency Yellow Star. Episode 9 centers on Kim Do-gi (played by Lee Je-hoon) as he investigates Kang Joo-ri’s mistreatment of trainees.
During a taxi ride, Kim Do-gi encounters Romi, a girl group trainee. While hearing Girls’ Generation’s “Genie” playing, Romi expresses her dream of becoming an idol who brings hope and comfort to others. She asks to be let out on a bridge, prompting concern from Kim Do-gi, who later discovers she attempted suicide. He immediately rescues her from the river, finding her severely malnourished. A note Romi left reveals her worry for fellow trainees and her desire to protect them from harm.
Despite recovering, Romi is forcibly discharged and assaulted by the agency’s manager. Witnessing this, Kim Do-gi confronts the manager, rescuing Romi again and taking her back into his care. Romi recounts her experiences at Yellow Star, describing how Kang Joo-ri exploited her and other trainees. She was lured under false pretenses to a recording room but woke up in a hostess club, where a video of her being coerced was used to blackmail her. Romi feared that her struggles could jeopardize the debut of her fellow trainees.
The Rainbow Heroes team decides to expose Yellow Star’s abuses. In a video Romi had, the agency’s director is shown recording her, confirming the agency’s misconduct. To investigate further, Kim Do-gi infiltrates Yellow Star by disguising himself as a manager. He observes Kang Joo-ri and staff physically assaulting trainees and engaging in surveillance, highlighting the darker, exploitative side of the K-pop industry behind the glamorous public image.
The episode leaves viewers anticipating how Kim Do-gi will bring justice to Kang Joo-ri and her staff, exposing the systemic abuse and manipulation within the entertainment agency.
Sources: 네이트 뉴스
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