Popular South Korean star Lee Jae Hoon, known globally for acclaimed series like Signal and Taxi Driver, is a fan of Indian cinema, which he describes as vibrant and uplifting.
Long-standing admiration for Indian cinema
The time-travel thriller Signal (2016) introduced the actor to a global audience for the first time. The fan-favorite show was adapted in India as Eleven Eleven. In an exclusive interview with HTCity, Lee Je Hoon expressed his openness to exploring opportunities in India. After watching this, I feel light and happy.
Get back in the driver’s seat with Taxi Driver3
Driving the wheel once again as cautious driver Kim Do Gi, Lee Je Hoon made SBS’s Taxi Driver 3 one of the most-watched K-dramas of the season. The action thriller revolves around a taxi company that provides “luxury service” – which takes revenge on criminals who have escaped from the law. A fan favorite since its premiere in 2021, the series continues to resonate with audiences as it tackles issues like trafficking, bullying and corruption through a simple yet emotionally powerful narrative. Despite its intensity, Lee says the show offers a sense of liberation for both its characters and viewers.
“What attracted me most to this project and Kim Do-gi was that, beyond the cathartic thrills of the genre, the story confronts real issues in our society. This is not a simple confrontation between good and evil; instead, it constantly asks the question, ‘Why does Rainbow Taxi have no choice but to make these decisions?’ That question was incredibly compelling to me. As the series continued, I felt a growing sense of responsibility and forced myself to think more deeply about how to portray the character with integrity and care.
How this character changed him as an actor
He adds that the emotional graph of a character on screen develops off-screen as well. “Those changes came naturally to me as an actor as well. They not only deepened my portrayal of the character, but also deepened my overall outlook and approach toward the series. When I first met Kim Do-gi in 2021, he was a character whose inner wounds and anger had not yet healed. He felt quite defensive and rough around the edges. As the season progressed, those feelings slowly began to heal, and I think he’s much more Instead of standing alone, he gradually learned to trust Rainbow Taxi, building trust and strong bonds within the team, and that process ultimately made Kim Do-gi a stronger person.
Attracted to the Brown: Justice, Anger, and Morality
The 41-year-old actor, often known for playing characters caught at the intersection of anger, justice and morality, says he is instinctively attracted to such roles. “When choosing a project, the topics I’m personally interested in at the time naturally influence my decisions. I’m often engaged with news and social affairs, and the questions and emotions generated by those stories become important criteria for me when choosing a role. I don’t see the characters I play as merely moral or religious individuals. Rather, I believe they are people who, in their own way, strive to uphold the values they believe to be right. Depending on each character’s personality and beliefs, they make different choices during that journey. Portraying such diverse characters has inspired me to reflect on the values I hold important in my life and ultimately, those reflections have become a meaningful source of personal growth for me.
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From indie beginnings to mainstream continuity
Lee’s career began when he appeared in several student and freelance roles while studying. That early hunger for acting led to fearlessness in casting and storytelling – from the quirky short film Just Friends? Bleak Night and Architecture 101. The success of Signal was followed by various films like Tomorrow With You (2017), Anarchist from Colony, Move to Heaven (2021), the hit Taxi Driver franchise and Chief Detective 1958, which showcased his range and consistency. An open mind and a fearless approach to his art remain the primary drivers behind his creative decisions. “There are countless topics and subjects I would like to research on in the future. If the opportunity presents itself, I would like to approach any story with an open mind – as long as there are people who trust me and are willing to entrust me with the role. I am confident that the rise in popularity will not change the way I choose projects. As I have always done, I will continue to prioritize the story, the characters and the message a work conveys. No matter the project, if it is a story I am more than willing to work with it. I can. Honestly, I will give it my best.”
“Honesty” as a working philosophy.
“Honestly” is how he chooses to describe himself as an actor. “I’m careful in everything I do, even the parts that aren’t visible, and I’ve found that this approach often leads to good results in the end. I guess I’m just someone who doesn’t want to overlook even the smallest things.” There is a distinctive rhythm to his performances, shaped by intention as well as restraint. Lee admits that he sets out on a creative journey along with his characters.
To sink in completely – and let go
“When I act, I put myself aside and completely immerse myself in the character. There are moments when it can be difficult and emotionally taxing to feel a character’s emotions. Of course, there are moments of happiness, but there are also times when I really have to carry fear, sadness and anger all at once. Those moments can seem overwhelming, but at the same time, they challenge and excite me as an actor. It’s important to have these emotions while exercising restraint. Learning to experience and then express them in performance always feels like a new challenge.
“When a project comes to an end, I often feel a sense of relief, as if I have completed another arduous journey. At the same time, it is bittersweet to leave a character I have lived in for so long. By repeating this process over and over again, I believe I will continue to move forward one step at a time.”
No room for complacency in the global spotlight
Expanding his exposure to production beyond acting, Lee acknowledges the importance of a thriving and creatively expanding ecosystem, especially as Korean content continues to gain a global foothold. “As an actor, I’m really grateful for the increased interest and attention in Korean content recently, and it still seems quite remarkable to me. At the same time, I believe that for this global interest to continue rather than remain a temporary trend, Korean content must maintain its strength and continue to evolve. I also know that this process is becoming increasingly challenging in reality. That’s why I think it’s essential to create an environment where new creators can emerge and produce fresh, To tell compelling stories. As an actor, I’m often thinking deeply about what role I can play in supporting and contributing to that kind of ecosystem.
A return to romance – and unknown roles
Looking ahead, he admits he would like to return to romance. “I feel like there are still so many sides to me and so many types of characters that I haven’t had the chance to show yet. Personally, I think it’s been a long time since I explored the romance genre, so I would love to work on a romance project again in the near future. I haven’t had many opportunities to play characters in professional roles, and that’s something I would really like to explore – portraying a professional character and getting into that world through acting.”
No coffee, full focus
As the conversation turns to the physical demands of his work, Lee talks candidly about the discipline and small sacrifices that help him keep focused on set, including giving up one of his simplest pleasures during a grueling shoot. “During filming, I stay very focused, so I usually don’t feel too much physical stress in the moment. Instead, I make sure to relax as much as possible during the trip or at night. Because of this, I even cut down on things I enjoy, like coffee, while filming Taxi Driver 3, I didn’t drink coffee at all—and I still remember how extraordinary that first cup tasted after filming was over.”
The actor will next be seen in the much-awaited second season of Signal. Taxi Driver 3 Viki is streaming on Rakuten.
