Pyo Ye-jin replaces Lee Na-eun in 'Taxi Driver' following ostracism allegations

Actress Pyo Ye-jin will play Go-eun, a hacker, in the series “Taxi Driver.” Courtesy of Pan Stars Company

By Lee Gyu-lee

Actress Pyo Ye-jin will take over the lead role, previously given to singer and actor Lee Na-eun, in the upcoming TV series “Taxi Driver,” according to the SBS Wednesday.

The replacement comes after Lee, a member of the K-pop girl group April, was axed from the series following recent accusations that she and other members ostracized Lee Hyun-joo when she was part of the K-pop group several years ago.

Earlier this month, Na-eun and the other April members came into the spotlight after a person who claimed to be Hyun-joo's brother accused the members online of ostracizing his sister. That, he said, led her to attempt suicide. Hyun-joo eventually left the group in 2016.

Na-eun has been removed from commercials and TV shows, including “Taxi Driver,” since the scandal broke. The network revealed, Monday, that it has decided to replace Na-eun and reshoot the series, of which around 60 percent had already been filmed.

Based on the webcomic, “The Deluxe Taxi,” the action crime series revolves around a mysterious taxi service run by Kim Do-ki (Lee Jae-hun). Do-ki leads a group of vigilantes who deliver justice on behalf of their customers.

Pyo will play one of the vigilantes named Go-eun, who is an IT expert in the group. She uses her skills to hack into devices and networks to help Do-ki.

The series will air from April 9.

Pyo debuted in 2012 with a minor role in the TV series “Here Comes Mr. Oh.” She has starred in various hit series, including “Fight for My Way” (2017) and “What's Wrong with Secretary Kim?” (2018).