The 2025 SBS Drama Awards concluded in a spectacular fashion, with actor Lee Je-hoon making television history. The prestigious year-end ceremony, held on December 31, 2025, at the SBS Prism Tower in Seoul, saw Lee Je-hoon clinch the coveted Grand Prize (Daesang) for his powerful performance in the hit series 'Taxi Driver 3'.
A Night of Triumph for Taxi Driver 3
The evening was a resounding victory for the cast and crew of 'Taxi Driver 3'. Lee Je-hoon's portrayal of Kim Do-gi, the righteous vigilante taxi driver, not only earned him the top honor but also solidified the show's status as a cultural phenomenon. His win marks a significant milestone, as he became the first lead from the 'Taxi Driver' franchise to receive the Daesang at the SBS awards.
The actor's victory was part of a major sweep for the drama. Alongside the Grand Prize, 'Taxi Driver 3' also secured the prestigious 'Best Drama of the Year' award. This double triumph underscored the series' immense popularity and critical acclaim throughout its broadcast.
Star-Studded Winners and Emotional Speeches
The awards night was hosted by the charismatic duo of Shin Dong-yup and Kim Yu-jung, who kept the energy high. The competition in the top acting categories was intense. Lee Je-hoon triumphed over other strong contenders, including Kim Tae-ri, who was nominated for her role in 'The Devil's Judge'.
Kim Tae-ri, however, did not leave empty-handed. She was honored with the 'Top Excellence Award for Actress in a Miniseries' for her compelling performance. Other major winners included Pyo Ye-jin, who won the 'Excellence Award for Actress in a Miniseries' for her role in 'Taxi Driver 3', further highlighting the drama's dominance.
In his emotional acceptance speech, Lee Je-hoon expressed profound gratitude. He dedicated the award to the show's dedicated production team, his fellow cast members, and the loyal fans. "This award feels so heavy and meaningful," he stated, reflecting on the journey of his character over three successful seasons.
Celebrating a Year of Korean Television Excellence
The 2025 SBS Drama Awards served as a grand celebration of the network's successful programming year. Beyond the top winners, the ceremony recognized talent across various genres, from romantic comedies to intense thrillers. The event highlighted the global appeal of Korean dramas and the hard work of everyone involved in their creation.
The historic wins for Lee Je-hoon and 'Taxi Driver 3' are expected to boost interest in the actor's future projects and potentially pave the way for more seasons or spin-offs. For fans of Korean entertainment, the awards solidified 2025 as another remarkable year for high-quality, impactful storytelling on SBS.
As the industry looks ahead, the bar has been set high. The success of narrative-driven, action-packed series like 'Taxi Driver 3' continues to shape trends in Korean television, promising more exciting content for audiences worldwide in the coming year.
