On the afternoon of December 7, a massive crowd of citizens filled the streets in front of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, during the “Candlelight March for Treason Charges Against Yoon Suk Yeol, Realization of People’s Sovereignty, and Comprehensive Social Reform.” (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Dec. 8 (Korea Bizwire) — Several taxi drivers have gained widespread admiration after refusing to charge fares for passengers heading to a large protest in favor of impeaching President Yoon Suk Yeol.
On December 7, a user on X (formerly Twitter) shared a screenshot showing a canceled taxi fare of 23,500 won. The driver had dropped the passenger near the National Assembly in Yeouido and later refunded the payment.
The protest, which began at 3 p.m. near the National Assembly, caused significant disruptions, including road closures and non-stop subway operations, making it challenging for participants to travel.
Despite the potential high fares due to congestion, some taxi drivers chose to forgo payment upon learning their passengers were attending the demonstration.
On the afternoon of December 7, a massive crowd of citizens filled the streets in front of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, during the “Candlelight March for Treason Charges Against Yoon Suk Yeol, Realization of People’s Sovereignty, and Comprehensive Social Reform.” (Yonhap)
In another account, author Cheon Seon-ran shared on Instagram that her driver turned off the meter after receiving an LED candle as a gift. The driver remarked, “Think of it as a picnic; let’s enjoy the ride.”
Other stories emerged of drivers refusing fares, speeding to drop protesters off, or apologizing for not being able to accommodate more passengers heading to the rally.
The protest came in the wake of political turmoil after President Yoon unexpectedly declared martial law late on December 3. Lawmakers quickly convened and passed a resolution to rescind it by the early hours of December 4. On December 7, opposition lawmakers submitted an impeachment motion against the president, sparking peaceful demonstrations near the National Assembly.
However, the impeachment vote failed to proceed after lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party collectively exited the chamber, leaving the session without the required quorum of 200 members. Despite the outcome, the acts of kindness from taxi drivers have struck a chord with many, symbolizing solidarity during a turbulent moment in South Korea’s democracy.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
