Former Idol Now Driving a Taxi... Struggling to Make Ends Meet with a "Daily Goal of 300,000 Won"

Taking on Various Jobs at a Logistics Center and Chinese Restaurant
Sharing the Struggles of Dealing with Drunk Passengers

Former Empire Boys member Taehun has been reported to be working as a taxi driver. Screenshot from YouTube Next Taehun

Taehun, a former member of the group ZE:A (Empire Boys), shared the real-life challenges he faces while working as a taxi driver. He recently spoke candidly about his financial struggles and revealed that he has been trying various jobs, including part-time work at a logistics center and running a Chinese restaurant.

On November 18, the YouTube channel 'Next Taehun' uploaded a video titled, "ZE:A's Taehun, 'Lost my composure with my first drunk passenger... Why the sudden informal speech?' A peaceful night shift... The shocking reason for turning on the red roof light after five hours."

The video vividly depicted situations that taxi drivers often encounter, such as heavily intoxicated passengers speaking informally or suddenly changing their destinations. Taehun began his late-night shift, stating, "My daily goal is 300,000 won."

He added, "Today, I plan to drive for about 12 hours, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. I thought I should serve even one more passenger, even if it means cutting down on meal times," and continued, "I thought it might be a good idea to prepare gimbap or energy bars to eat while driving today."

Former member Taehun of the group ZE:A shared an update that he is currently working as a taxi driver. Screenshot from YouTube Next Taehun

After about three hours of driving, with earnings totaling 63,400 won, some passengers recognized Taehun. When one passenger asked, "Are you an idol by any chance?" Taehun replied, "That's right. You're the first person to recognize me today," and joked, "It's been 16 years since we were active as ZE:A. Kwanghee is busy these days, and so is Park Hyungsik. Many of my friends are doing well, but I think I'm next in line."

As the late night hours approached, situations with drunk passengers causing trouble also arose. There were unexpected incidents, such as passengers speaking informally due to intoxication or falling asleep and changing their destinations during the ride, but Taehun responded calmly.

After dropping off one passenger, Taehun said, "Some of the passengers were too drunk, which made me feel a bit down," but added, "Still, I believe these experiences are all part of the process of getting better."