TXT's Soobin explains his taxi overcharge incident in Cebu on his SNS. (Photo / Soobin SNS)
Tomorrow X Together member Soobin recently experienced a taxi overcharge incident during a trip to Cebu in the Philippines, drawing widespread attention online and prompting swift action from local authorities.
The situation came to light through a vlog uploaded on the group’s official YouTube channel, titled “Soobin’s Very Fun and Very Tiring Vacation.” The video captured Soobin enjoying a vacation in Cebu with a friend, visiting various locations and sharing moments of relaxation with fans.
However, the trip took an unexpected turn upon arrival at the airport.
Taxi Dispute Sparks Controversy
According to the video, Soobin attempted to take a taxi from the airport to his accommodation. Before boarding, he confirmed that the expected fare was around 300 Philippine pesos (approximately $5–6 USD).
The driver initially proposed a higher fare of 500 pesos, which Soobin reluctantly accepted after failing to negotiate. However, the situation escalated further during the ride when the driver suddenly demanded 1,000 pesos, claiming that the vehicle used expensive fuel.
Reacting to the situation, Soobin expressed frustration, saying he intended to report the driver and asking that the interaction be recorded as evidence. Ultimately, he refused to pay the inflated amount and insisted on paying 500 pesos before exiting the taxi.
Despite the incident, Soobin attempted to stay positive, noting that at least they had arrived safely, though the experience left both him and his companion exhausted.
Viral Spread and Government Response
The video quickly gained traction online, spreading across international fan communities and local media outlets. The incident soon escalated beyond fan discussions, drawing the attention of Philippine authorities.
According to local reports, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) launched an investigation into the taxi driver involved. Authorities ordered the driver to surrender their license and vehicle plates and imposed a 30-day suspension from operating.
Officials identified potential violations, including:
- Overcharging passengers
- Failure to use the taxi meter
The LTFRB stated that depending on the outcome of the investigation, further penalties could include license revocation, criminal charges, or even vehicle confiscation.
Similar Incidents Raise Concerns
This is not the first time a K-pop idol has reported issues with taxi fares in the Philippines. In 2022, SEVENTEEN member Joshua shared a similar experience in Manila.
Joshua revealed in a past video that he was charged around 1,000 pesos for a ride that should have cost significantly less, later realizing he had paid nearly three times the normal fare.
The recurrence of such incidents has sparked discussions among fans about tourist safety and transportation transparency in popular travel destinations.
Who Is Soobin?
Soobin is the leader of Tomorrow X Together, one of the most prominent fourth-generation K-pop groups formed by HYBE.
Debuting in 2019, TXT quickly rose to global fame with their distinctive musical style and strong international fanbase. Soobin, known for his leadership and calm personality, has played a key role in the group’s success, both on stage and in media appearances.
The group has consistently performed well on global charts and continues to expand its influence worldwide through music releases, tours, and digital content.
Industry and Fan Reactions
Following the incident, fans expressed concern over Soobin’s experience while also praising his calm handling of the situation. Many noted that his decision to speak up and document the issue may help raise awareness and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Industry observers also pointed out that such situations highlight the risks global artists face while traveling privately, especially when not under official schedules or security arrangements.
At the same time, the quick response from Philippine authorities has been viewed positively, signaling an effort to maintain trust among international visitors and address transportation-related issues.
What This Means Going Forward
While the incident was resolved without major harm, it has sparked broader conversations about safety, fair pricing, and accountability in tourist-heavy areas.
For Soobin and Tomorrow X Together, the situation is unlikely to impact group activities. However, it serves as a reminder of the challenges K-pop idols may face outside of structured schedules.
As K-pop continues to grow globally, such incidents may push for improved systems and awareness to ensure safer experiences for both artists and fans traveling abroad.
Allen Shin is an editor at KpopBreaking, specializing in K-pop industry news, artist activities, and breaking developments. He oversees content quality and ensures accurate and timely reporting for global audiences.
Comments