‘Handler’ Membership Tops 200,000 as Young Gig Workers Flock to Socar’s Platform
SEOUL, Oct. 5 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korean mobility platform Socar said Sunday that membership for its vehicle delivery service, “Handler,” surpassed 200,000 in May, doubling in just two years as flexible, gig-based work gains traction among younger drivers.
According to Socar, Handler’s total membership climbed from 100,000 in May 2023 to 130,000 in 2024, before reaching 200,000 this spring. Weekly active users also rose 12.3 percent year-on-year, signaling that not only registrations but actual participation have expanded.
Handler allows members to earn income by transporting vehicles to designated locations and performing related services such as refueling, EV charging, or washing.
The system uses Socar’s smartphone-based digital key, enabling users to unlock and operate cars without physical keys and complete tasks at preferred times and locations.
More than half of participants (55.9 percent) carried out fewer than five tasks per year, while 24.7 percent completed more than ten. The rising share of low-frequency users suggests that many engage in Handler work intermittently alongside other jobs.
By age, users in their 30s accounted for the largest share at 29.4 percent, followed by those in their 40s (27.4 percent), 20s (26.4 percent), and 50s–60s (16.8 percent).
Combined, those in their 20s and 30s made up 55.8 percent of the total — a reflection, Socar said, of the growing number of young “gig workers” seeking flexible, short-term income amid a sluggish job market.
“The platform’s accessibility, convenience, and contactless nature align well with younger generations’ preferences,” a Socar spokesperson said.
“Anyone with a driver’s license can use the service, move vehicles for free to desired destinations, and earn money in the process — making Handler an appealing entry point into the mobility gig economy.”
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
