The taxi scam experience of Choi Soobin, leader of K-pop group TXT (Tomorrow x Together), in Cebu has made headlines in Korea.
In an April 1 vlog, Soobin recounted being scammed by a taxi driver while traveling from Mactan Cebu International Airport to their hotel during his trip to the Philippines.
He and his friend were charged P1,000, but when the singer checked an app for the estimated taxi fare, it was only P300.
The taxi driver initially charged them P500 but later raised it to P1,000, claiming that “the gas is very expensive.”
The driver also said he was using a vehicle that required a more expensive type of fuel.
Soobin and his friend firmly told him they would pay only P500.
“Did you hear that? I’m reporting this. Just now, he said P1,000,” the singer said in the video.
“I mean, P500 is already pushing it and then he raises it to P1,000,” Soobin added.
As they were about to get out of the taxi, the driver again insisted they should pay P1,000, claiming the ride cost P500 per passenger.
“I can’t believe he’d raise the price so suddenly like that,” Soobin said.
“We agreed on P500 before getting in. But after we arrived at the hotel, he tried to charge us P1,000,” he added.
The incident reached the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), which confirmed that the K-pop singer and his friend were “victimized by alleged flagrant violations of overcharging and deliberate non-use of the taxi meter.”
The taxi, with body number 4351, has been temporarily suspended for 30 days while the investigation is ongoing.
The operator was also directed to surrender the taxi’s license plate and the driver’s license. A show-cause order was likewise issued against the operator.
Meanwhile, Soobin’s experience has been reported by some Korean news outlets, according to a Facebook page.
The incident was reported by The Chosun Daily, one of the oldest newspapers in South Korea.
“Philippine Government Suspends Driver Overcharging Korean Idol,” it said in a news article.
“The video drew significant media attention in the Philippines and escalated into a national issue, with the government intervening,” the English translation reads.
Reports of the incident reaching another country have embarrassed Filipinos, who shared their reactions on social media.
“Jusko, nakakahiya,” a Facebook user commented.
“Proud Pinoy pa din ba?” another wrote, adding emojis.
“Nakakahiyaaa, umabot na tayo sa Korea,” a different Pinoy said.
“‘Di ko muna sasabihing Pilipino ako,” another commented.
“Uyyy miyo… umabot na sa kanila… yawa… nakakahiya,” a different Facebook user said.
In the video, Soobin also shared that fellow TXT member Taehyun advised them to “act angry” if they were being scammed. Taehyun has traveled to Cebu before.
In 2022, Seventeen member Joshua Hong also reported being scammed P1,000 by a taxi driver in Manila.
The LTFRB called the incident disappointing and embarrassing.
