TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) member Soobin’s taxi rip-off during a trip to the Philippines has triggered an official response from the local government.
On the 1st, TXT’s official YouTube channel uploaded a video showing Soobin vacationing in Cebu, Philippines. In the clip, he took a taxi from the Cebu airport to his lodging. Although Soobin had checked an expected fare of about 300 pesos (approximately 7,500 KRW), the driver demanded 500 pesos (about 12,500 KRW) from the start. Even after Soobin agreed, the driver tried to hike the fare mid-ride to 1,000 pesos (about 25,000 KRW), citing “expensive gas” — triple the initial estimate.
Soobin pushed back, asking, “Didn’t you say 500 pesos at the start?” After a brief dispute, he paid only 500 pesos and ended the ride. In the video, he added, “Right before I got out, he asked for 1,000 pesos again,” revealing how stunned he felt.
The video spread rapidly on social media and sparked a major reaction locally. Filipino netizens said, “This should never happen to foreign tourists,” and “We’re ashamed,” offering apologies, while local outlets gave the incident extensive coverage.
As the controversy grew, the Philippine government acted fast. The Department of Transportation’s Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) labeled the case a serious violation and slapped the driver with a 30-day suspension. Authorities also ordered the submission of the vehicle’s plate number and the driver’s license and are reportedly reviewing potential criminal charges, including fraud.
Observers say the incident has become a wake-up call about tourist rip-offs, not just a one-off personal ordeal.