An Minseok to Lee Junseok: "Advice as a Senior Taxi Driver... If You Plan to Show Off, Don't Hold the Wheel"

A photo of Ahn Min-seok, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, riding in a taxi. / Photo by Ahn Min-seok

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Seohyun] Ahn Min-seok, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, sharply criticized Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the People Power Party, saying, "If you plan to just take a few photos and pretend to drive a taxi as a show, then don't hold the steering wheel at all."

On the 29th, Ahn posted on his Facebook, "As a senior taxi driver, I want to give some advice to my junior," revealing this stance. He obtained a taxi license in 2005 and has been personally driving a taxi for about 16 years during holidays to listen to public sentiment.

Earlier, Lee announced that he would take a vacation from the 9th to the 13th of next month, stating, "I will go to Sangju City, Gyeongsangbuk-do, to attend a pre-booked personal taxi transfer education. I will attend the training during the day and visit party members in the Gyeongbuk region, which are usually difficult to visit, while monitoring the quarantine situation in the evening."

In response, Ahn emphasized, "You should not drive a taxi just for photo ops," adding, "Only when you drive for 12 hours just like the drivers with sincerity and fill the daily quota will you avoid being accused of 'putting on a show.'"

He continued, "Instead of media plays like 'Ddarreung Junseok,' you should quietly focus on understanding the industry's difficulties without causing inconvenience to taxi drivers and passengers."

He also said, "I hope we can work together to improve the taxi industry system," adding, "With the emergence of Kakao Taxi, the taxi industry is facing a crisis, and soon, like in foreign countries, a wave of Uber taxis is expected. The government and the National Assembly must join forces to prepare both short- and long-term measures." Previously, Kakao Mobility's 'KakaoT Taxi' gained great popularity since its launch in 2015 as a 'call taxi' service.

Ahn mentioned, "I hope you don't stop after driving a taxi a few times but continue steadily throughout your political career," and expressed pride in the work by saying, "For a politician, experiencing taxi driving is a symbolic act of going out into the sea of public sentiment."

At the end of his post, he said, "Once Leader Lee completes the personal taxi transfer education, as a senior driver, I will treat him to a refreshing draft beer and pass on trade secrets," but also added, "Honestly, I am half hopeful and half worried whether junior driver Lee Jun-seok will do well beyond just a taxi show."