Actor Lee Je‑hoon has wrapped up a successful run on SBS’s Taxi Driver 3, where he starred as the justice‑driven Kim Do‑gi. Off camera, however, he lives a very different reality—serving as the head of his own company and navigating the challenges of the entertainment industry firsthand.
In a candid interview reflecting on the drama’s finale, Lee shared honest thoughts about operating his management agency Company On, now entering its fifth year. “If I could advise my past self before starting the company, I’d say, ‘Think carefully and make wise decisions,’” he said, noting that reality was far more unpredictable than he first anticipated.
Lee also spoke about the tough climate in entertainment management, observing that many agencies have closed in recent years. “I feel that more intensely than anyone,” he admitted, acknowledging the constant pressure that his own acting activity has direct implications for the company’s survival. “I’ve been fortunate to work non‑stop and push myself physically, but I constantly ask myself whether I can keep that up.”
For Lee, the people around him are both his greatest responsibility and his strongest motivation. “Almost none of my managers and staff have left. Because they’ve stayed with me so long, I feel an even greater sense of responsibility,” he smiled, adding, “When payday comes, my hair literally turns white.”
He explained that luck played a big role in launching the company and sustaining it through years of consistent work. Yet he also recognizes the importance of building a future‑oriented business that doesn’t rely solely on his personal activity. “If I can’t work for any reason—by choice or not—it affects the company’s operations. For the company to remain financially and strategically stable, even when I’m not active, is something I strive for,” he said.
Asked whether that’s truly possible, Lee didn’t shy away from honesty: “Right now, it’s still a question mark. But I’m working very hard to make it happen.” To him, the company represents more than a business—it’s a promise to the people who’ve stood by him.
Taxi Driver 3, which concluded on January 10, centers on Rainbow Taxi Company and its driver Kim Do‑gi, who exacts justice on behalf of wronged victims. The series concluded with strong viewer support, peaking at a 14.2% nationwide rating (Episode 14, Nielsen Korea).
Sources: Daum
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