Filipino taxi driver suspended after overcharging K-pop star Soobin in Cebu

Choi Soo-bin is a member of K-pop group Tomorrow X Together, or TXT.

Photo: Handout A Filipino taxi driver who attempted to overcharge a member of K-pop group TXT has been suspended from operating, after the incident sparked backlash both in South Korea and the Philippines.

According to a report aired on Monday on JTBC’s Chief Investigator, TXT member Choi Soo-bin, known mononymously as Soobin, was targeted in a taxi fare scam while travelling in Cebu, a popular tourist destination in the Philippines.

The incident was originally revealed on Wednesday through the group’s official YouTube channel, where Choi shared footage of a trip to Cebu with a friend.

After arriving at Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the two took a taxi to their accommodation.

Before boarding, Choi had checked that the expected fare was around 300 pesos (US$5).

However, the driver initially demanded 500 pesos, then raised the price mid-ride, claiming fuel costs were high and asking for 1,000 pesos.

A screengrab from Choi Soo-bin’s footage shows him confronting the taxi driver.

Photo: YouTube/TXT The driver continued to push for a higher fare, but after a tense exchange, Choi ultimately agreed to pay 500 pesos – still significantly above the expected price.

The video quickly spread online, drawing criticism not only from fans but also from local viewers in the Philippines.

Many accused the driver of damaging the country’s reputation among foreign tourists.

Comments posted below Choi’s video, titled “Soobin’s super fun and super tiring holiday”, by social media users in the Philippines included: “As a Filipino, I feel ashamed of the taxi driver’s behaviour,” “Soobin, I’m really sorry,” and “Thank you so much for reporting this.” As the controversy grew, authorities stepped in.

On Friday, Philippines’ Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board under the Department of Transportation ordered the driver to surrender his licence plate and receive a 30-day suspension, the Chosun Biz reported.

Women prepare to board taxis in Manila, Philippines.

Photo: EPA “The taxi driver excessively charged the fare and deliberately did not use the meter during the ride,” the board said. “This is a serious offence that tarnished our country’s honour in the international community.” Depending on the results of the investigation, the driver could also face criminal charges and vehicle seizure.

Philippine National Police chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jnr ordered a nationwide crac

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