Outrage Erupts After South Korean Taxi Driver Harasses Thai Tourist

Photo courtesy of CIEE

A South Korean taxi driver has sparked widespread outrage after harassing a Thai female tourist with inappropriate comments during a ride, igniting calls for justice and improved protections for women.

On June 19, the woman shared a video on social media detailing the unsettling experience. The driver, using a translation app, began by asking intrusive personal questions, including inquiries about her relationship status.

The situation deteriorated when the driver casually suggested finding her a job cleaning rooms. As she headed to Seoul Station to catch a train to Busan, the driver disturbingly offered to drive her personally, stating, “If you do not have money for the fare, you can pay with your body.”

This proposal left the tourist deeply uncomfortable. The driver even stopped the taxi to continue conversing, intensifying her distress. She was eventually dropped off at the station, but not before the driver gave her his phone number.

In response to the incident, she warned others about her experience and reported it to the taxi app used for booking, as covered by the South China Morning Post.

The woman's video has quickly gone viral, amassing 660,000 likes and over 400 comments. Netizens from both South Korea and Thailand have expressed support, with some apologising on behalf of the driver. Comments emphasised the need for reporting this behaviour, labelling it as sexual harassment.

Despite support, verbal sexual harassment is not legally recognised as a crime in South Korea, where only physical molestation in public is punishable. This incident has ignited discussions on the necessity for legislation addressing verbal harassment, with online suggestions that the driver’s licence be revoked.

The widespread backlash highlights the urgent demand for stronger laws and protections to ensure the safety of women in South Korea and for visitors.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-02