SBS Drama “Taxi Driver” has changed is writer!
On May 17, it was belatedly revealed that “Taxi Driver” had changed screenwriters, a source from the drama confirmed the news and stated that the reason was ‘difference in opinions regarding the direction of the project.’
“Taxi Driver” was written by Oh Sang Ho who agreed to step down, he was replaced by scriptwriter Lee Ji Hyun who will write the remaining episodes of the drama. The first episode she wrote was the 11th episode that aired this weekend on May 14.
Despite the sudden change in the scriptwriters, the drama’s ratings continued to soar. According to Nielsen Korea, “Taxi Driver” episode 11 scored average nationwide ratings of 12.4% and 14.6% for its two parts, while “Taxi Driver” episode 12 scored average nationwide ratings of 10.7% and 15.3% for its two parts. The drama remains one of the most watched weekend dramas.
Oh Sang Ho penned episodes 1 to 10 while Lee Ji Hyun will be writing the remaining six episodes.
It is very rare for kdramas to changing writers mid-way, however, OCN’s “The Uncanny Counter” had also announced the unexpected departure of the writer in the middle of the show.
Based on a webtoon of the same name, “Taxi Driver” tells the story of a mysterious taxi service that takes revenge on behalf of victims who are unable to get justice from the law. Lee Je Hoon plays the role of Kim Do Gi, a former special forces officer who works as a driver and take on revenge for the victims.
“Taxi Driver” airs every Friday and Saturday at 10 p.m. KST.
Source: (A)
My personal thoughts- written by Jass K.
Note: spoilers of “Taxi Driver” episode 1 to 10 below.
I have previously reviewed the first half of “Taxi Driver,” and said I was enjoying the drama except for the way Esom’s character was written. I was not the only one who thought the same because despite being the first lead in her drama, Esom’s character felt more like an obstacle rather than a leading character. She is also the only character that has shown no growth throughout episodes 1 to 10 which is almost unheard of for a leading character in a kdrama.
According to fans, Esom’s character wasn’t even in the webtoon which leads me to question why they thought it was necessary to write her in the drama. Her character is very unlikeable in the eyes of the viewers and for obvious reason. I wonder whether this will signal a change in the way her character is written for the remainder of the show.
Aside from that, I’d say “Taxi Driver” is one of the better-written dramas of 2021 thus far, if Esom’s character had been better written and executed, “Taxi Driver” would’ve been perfect.
