Taxi Driver Tragedy: Another Suicide Over Ride‑Sharing Craze
Yesterday’s fire scene unfolded near Seoul’s U.S. embassy, where 64‑year‑old driver Im walked out of his tanked vehicle only to lose his life hours later. The police report says melted fuel bottle remnants were found, suggesting a deliberate act.
Why the heat is turning up
- He left a suicide note demanding a ban on the so‑called “illegal car‑pooling” that Kakao’s new ride‑sharing app is trying to roll out.
- Only the second cab driver to take a fiery, symbolic exit in a month—after a similar incident last week that forced Kakao to delay its launch.
- South Korea’s taxi industry is fiercely protective: Uber left in 2015 after a backlash; now only taxis and licensed hire vehicles ride the wave.
- Yet a hefty 58% of Koreans (poll, November) want ride‑sharing introduced, a stark contrast to the 12.5% who oppose it.
Kakao’s cautious experiment
On a trial basis only, drivers can give just two rides a day. The shop‑front plan has hit a wall: many drivers feel their jobs and livelihoods are under threat. As a result, the launch originally aimed for December 17 has been postponed for “social consensus.”
What’s next?
While the city’s traffic might seem calmer without the flicker of the moment, the story still raises big questions. Can a platform designed for convenience stand up to the fierce protection of tradition? How much will the lines between “sharing” and “hiring” blur in the future?
At the end of the day, the drive for progress can sometimes ignite more than just a spark. It’s a sobering reminder that when new tech threatens old ways of earning, the stakes can become literally—and tragically—literally deadly.
HELPLINES
When Life Gets a Little Too Hot: Finding a Cool Down Spot in Singapore & Beyond
If you ever feel like you’re caught in a sudden blaze of stress, anxiety or just plain dread, you’re not alone. Below are the lifelines that will give you a quick escape route—Singapore’s top mental‑health hotlines and a dash of what’s happening in South Korea, too.
Singapore’s “In‑Reach” Route to Safety
- Samaritans of Singapore (SOS): 1800‑221‑4444 – 24/7, no matter what’s going on.
- Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800‑283‑7019 – talk therapy, counseling and more.
- Sage Counselling Centre: 1800‑555‑5555 – high‑quality support if you need more specialised help.
- Care Corner Mandarin Counselling: 1800‑353‑5800 – for those who prefer Mandarin.
Each line is a stepping‑stool ready to catch you ― whether you’re lazy-burying the problem or actively looking for a lifebuoy. Just dial and breathe a sigh of relief.
South Korea – Ride‑Hailing to a Better Day
While we’re focusing on mental‑health, sometimes a simple change of scenery does wonders. South Korea’s modern transport network includes ride‑hailing services that can quickly get you out of a tight spot—literally and figuratively. Think of it as a ‘driver‑driven’ emotional reset (and your favourite coffee‑hop stop, too!).
- Apps like Kakao Taxi and Hyundai’s T’way pick you up when the weight is too heavy.
- They’re not just for traffic; they’re for those moments when you need a change of scenery to re‑charge your mindset.
So whether you’re in S‑G and feel like you’re stuck in a ‘fire death’ of nerves or you’re off the island, the solution is a call away. The real hero? The willingness to reach out.
Remember:
Getting help is not a sign of weakness — it’s a savvy strategy for staying sharp. If a crisis feels near, pick up that number and ask for help. If stuck at a coffee shop, summon a ride‑hailing buddy. You’ve got the tools; now use them!
