Lee Je-hoon Wins Second Top Honor at SBS Drama Awards: ‘Why I Never Gave Up’

Taxi Driver star Lee Je-hoon took home the night’s top prize.

At the 2025 SBS Drama Awards, broadcast live from SBS Prism Tower in Seoul at 8:50 p.m. on the 31st, Lee was named the Grand Prize winner for his turn as vigilante driver Kim Do-gi in the hit series.

“Where do I even begin? My mind just went completely blank,” he said onstage, visibly moved.

He thanked the team behind the franchise, noting, “Taxi Driver making it all the way to Season 3 was only possible because of your unwavering support and love. Thank you for steering this series to where it is today.”

He gave a special nod to the writer, adding, “Without our writer, there would be no Taxi Driver. You’re the father of this series―thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Lee also shouted out director Kang Bo-seung. “You’ve become one of Korea’s finest directors. I’m grateful I got to be part of your first project. You helped build this universe as an assistant director in Season 1, and we reunited for Season 3, trading ideas on set. Thank you for leading this show and seeing it through to the very end.”

Reflecting on the role, he admitted, “Playing Kim Do-gi came with a lot of lonely, tough moments. The Rainbow Taxi family kept waiting for me, lifting me up, and that’s how I got through it. I’m truly grateful,” he said, acknowledging his castmates.

He continued with a heartfelt salute to the crew. “All the way to Season 3, I just wanted to do better and deliver an even stronger show. I probably drove everyone crazy in post―editing, music, ADR―sharing a million notes to the very end. To our assistant directors and the entire post team: thank you for everything.”

Lee also thanked his personal staff who helped shape the character. “The reason I didn’t give up and could give it my all is because you never gave up on me on set. You believed in me. Thank you―I won’t forget it.”

He opened up about the craft, too. “Acting is really hard. The more I do it, the harder it feels. There are times I wonder if this is as far as I can go. Whenever that happens, it’s the fans who give me strength. You’re the reason I can endure and keep acting,” he said, sending love to his supporters.

Finally, he thanked viewers: “This series kept going because of you. Your endless love―your anger, empathy, and your hope that these real-life tragedies never happen again―gave us the belief to keep telling these stories.”

He closed with a New Year wish: “Wishing everyone health and only good things in 2026. I’ll do my best to bring you great performances in great projects.” 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Hyo-jung)