SBS Takes Over TV & Streaming as 'Dynamic Kiss' and 'Taxi Driver 3' Surge to No. 1

Turn on the TV or open a streamer―SBS is owning the drama game. New premieres "Dynamic Kiss" and "Taxi Driver 3" are running up the score across linear ratings, buzz metrics, and OTT charts, locking in No. 1 and No. 2 both in Korea and abroad.

Weeknight rom-com "Dynamic Kiss" (writers Ha Yoon-a and Tae Kyung-min; directors Kim Jae-hyun and Kim Hyun-woo) debuted on Nov. 12, with Friday-Saturday action thriller "Taxi Driver 3" (writer Oh Sang-ho; director Kang Bo-seung) bowing Nov. 21. Since launch, both have notched fresh personal bests week after week, taking over midweek and weekend primetime with a blend of comfortingly familiar beats and fist-pump payoffs.

# The Heavyweight Returns: "Taxi Driver 3" Dominates from Week One

"Taxi Driver 3" blasted out of the gate, sweeping every major metric in its premiere week. The first episode ranked No. 1 across all programs in its time slot and posted the best opening for any 2025 Korean miniseries to date (peak 11.1%, average 9.9%). Episode 2 climbed to a 12.2% peak, while the ages 20-49 demo hit a weekly-best 4.4% across all broadcasts, per Nielsen Korea (Seoul metropolitan area).

Streaming momentum is just as strong. According to FlixPatrol, "Taxi Driver 3" shot straight to No. 1 on Netflix’s Korea TV chart the moment it dropped and has held the top spot domestically since. It also ranked No. 1 overall―across drama, film, and unscripted―on Kinolights’ integrated content chart for the third week of November, outpacing all competitors.

The chatter is matching the numbers. Good Data Corporation’s FUNdex placed the series No. 1 in combined TV-plus-OTT buzz for Nov. 17-23, with lead Lee Je-hoon, who plays Kim Do-gi, taking the top spot in the drama talent buzz ranking.

“Viewers love "Taxi Driver 3" because it delivers cathartic, clear-cut justice that relieves real-world frustrations,” said Studio S executive producer Cho Young-gwang. “This season’s tougher villains, faster pacing, and tighter team synergy have amplified that release. With each season, we’ve expanded the show’s core ‘satisfying-justice’ appeal―and audiences are responding.”

# Familiar Done Right: Weeknight Comeback with "Dynamic Kiss"

As the flagship of SBS’s revived weeknight slate, "Dynamic Kiss" is serving the sweet spot of classic rom-com―and viewers are eating it up. Ratings and global traction are rising in tandem.

Episode 3 hit a 6.8% peak (5.6% in Seoul), and Episode 4 climbed to a 7.8% peak (6.5% in Seoul), ranking No. 1 not just in its slot but across all weekday miniseries on every channel. On Netflix, the series placed No. 2 on the Global Non-English TV list for Nov. 17-23, driving an overseas surge alongside its domestic run.

Audience reaction has been enthusiastic: “A throwback rom-com we rarely get anymore,” “Familiar, but totally addictive,” and “Their chemistry is insane,” read comments across online communities and social platforms. Many called it “a total cure for a rom-com drought,” fueling rapid word of mouth.

“'Dynamic Kiss' resonates at home and abroad because it honors the rom-com formula while boldly twisting it in the right places,” said Studio S director Park Young-soo. “From the Episode 1 ‘force-of-nature’ kiss to the undercover setup’s misunderstandings, the crackling chemistry, and brisk plotting, the series adds a fresh texture to the genre―one that’s clearly connecting with global romance fans.”

With wins in ratings, buzz, and global streaming, SBS is flexing its drama powerhouse status once again. "Dynamic Kiss" airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9 p.m. KST, and "Taxi Driver 3" airs Fridays and Saturdays at 9:50 p.m. KST. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)