Thai Tourist Alleges Sexual Harassment by Taxi Driver in South Korea
A disturbing incident involving a Thai tourist and a taxi driver in South Korea has sparked outrage online after the woman recorded her experience of sexual harassment during a taxi ride. The video, which was shared on TikTok on June 19, has garnered nearly 900,000 views, highlighting the serious issue of harassment faced by female travellers.
In the footage, the taxi driver is seen using a translation app to engage the passenger in conversation. However, the dialogue quickly escalated into inappropriate territory as he began asking her personal questions, including inquiries about her relationship status and marital plans. The situation took a more alarming turn when the driver suggested he could offer her a job as a cleaner and even proposed to drive her to her destination in Busan himself.
Inappropriate Comments and Disturbing Behaviour
@lalinlyn_ ประสบการ์ณแย่ๆ นั่งแท็กซี่เกาหลี ระวังตัวด้วยนะคะทุกคน #เที่ยวเกาหลี #เกาหลี #คนไทยในเกาหลี #คนไทยในเกาหลีใต้🇹🇭🇰🇷 #เตือนภัย #ประสบการณ์ชีวิต #ประสบการณ์ ♬ เสียงต้นฉบับ – ลาลิน_lalin
The most shocking moment came when the driver made a crude remark, stating, “If you don’t have money for the fare, you can pay with your body.” This comment understandably left the woman feeling uncomfortable and unsafe. The situation intensified when the driver parked the car to continue the conversation, further alarming the tourist.
Upon reaching her destination, the driver provided her with his phone number and inquired about her return to South Korea. The woman later shared her experience on social media as a cautionary tale for other female travellers, emphasising that safety should not be taken for granted, even in a country known for its hospitality.
Public Outcry and Calls for Accountability
The video has ignited a wave of responses from South Korean netizens, many of whom expressed their apologies and outrage over the driver’s behaviour. Comments flooded in, with users expressing their regret and condemning the actions of the taxi driver. One user stated, “As a Korean, I’m sincerely sorry,” while another lamented that the tourist should have been able to create happy memories rather than feeling traumatised by such an encounter.
This incident has raised significant concerns about the safety of tourists in South Korea, prompting discussions about the need for stricter regulations and accountability for taxi drivers. The woman’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by female travellers and the importance of addressing harassment in all forms.
In conclusion, while South Korea is often perceived as a safe destination, this incident underscores the necessity for vigilance and awareness among tourists. It is crucial for authorities to take action to ensure that all visitors can enjoy their travels without fear of harassment or inappropriate behaviour.