Filipino taxi driver suspended after overcharging K-pop star Soobin in Cebu

AdvertisementThe PhilippinesAsiaSoutheast AsiaFilipino taxi driver suspended after overcharging K-pop star Soobin in CebuFootage from the TXT member shows the driver demanding more than triple the usual price of a trip from the airport 2-MIN READ2-MIN ListenThe Korea TimesPublished: 12:07pm, 7 Apr 2026A Filipino taxi driver who attempted to overcharge a member of K-pop group TXT has been suspended from operating, after the incident sparked backlash both in South Korea and the Philippines.According to a report aired on Monday on JTBC’s Chief Investigator, TXT member Choi Soo-bin, known mononymously as Soobin, was targeted in a taxi fare scam while travelling in Cebu, a popular tourist destination in the Philippines.The incident was originally revealed on Wednesday through the group’s official YouTube channel, where Choi shared footage of a trip to Cebu with a friend. After arriving at Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the two took a taxi to their accommodation. AdvertisementBefore boarding, Choi had checked that the expected fare was around 300 pesos (US$5). However, the driver initially demanded 500 pesos, then raised the price mid-ride, claiming fuel costs were high and asking for 1,000 pesos. A screengrab from Choi Soo-bin’s footage shows him confronting the taxi driver. Photo: YouTube/TXTThe driver continued to push for a higher fare, but after a tense exchange, Choi ultimately agreed to pay 500 pesos – still significantly above the expected price. AdvertisementAdvertisementSelect VoiceSelect Speed0.8x0.9x1.0x1.1x1.2x1.5x1.75x00:0000:001.00x