South Korea: Taxi drivers rally in Seoul against ride-sharing app Dec.20

Event

Thousands of taxi drivers went on strike and held a rally in the capital, Seoul, on Thursday, December 20, to denounce the use of ride-sharing apps. Around 250,000 drivers participants in the nationwide strike, which began at 04:00 a.m (local time) for a 24-hour period. Workers temporarily suspended operations for 24 hours, forcing customers to use other transportation. On the same day, 100,000 taxi drivers from Seoul gathered in front of the National Assembly on Yeouido, Seoul. The demonstration came days after the suicide of a taxi driver, who set himself on fire to protest plans to introduce the carpooling service Kakao Mobility. Kakao postponed the launch of its service after the suicide.

Context

In recent months, tens of thousands of taxi drivers have held mass rallies in Seoul to denounce upcoming ride-sharing service, which add to perceived poor working conditions and low wages. 

Advice

Individuals present in South Korea are advised to monitor the situation, prepare for extra time to reach their destination, anticipate a reduced availability of taxis, and avoid all protests as a precaution.