A recent incident involving Japanese rookie girl group CUTIE STREET has sparked widespread criticism after the members were reportedly denied a taxi ride during their visit to South Korea.
The situation was revealed on the May 4 broadcast of Crime Chief, which shared footage of the group’s experience while filming content in Seoul.
According to the report, the members were attempting to travel from Euljiro to Seongsu-dong when a taxi stopped in front of them. However, after asking their destination and hearing “Seongsu,” the driver reportedly drove off without explanation.
The members later recalled: “The driver waved as if saying ‘bye’ and just left.”
The clip quickly went viral, drawing criticism from Korean netizens and international viewers alike.
Many speculated that the short distance between Euljiro and Seongsu-dong may have been the reason for the refusal, while others pointed to a broader issue with taxi services:
- Was it because the distance was too short?
- This is a typical case of selective taxi service.
- One driver’s actions can damage the country’s image.
Some went further, expressing concern that such incidents could negatively impact how foreign visitors perceive South Korea.
The controversy has reignited discussions about taxi refusal in Korea, particularly its effect on international travelers.
Reports analyzing global online communities suggest that around 11% of visitors to Korea have experienced inconvenience during their trip higher than neighboring Japan’s 7%. Among these complaints, transportation issues such as taxi refusal were cited as a major source of dissatisfaction.
Experts warn that as global interest in K-content continues to rise, such experiences could directly influence tourists’ willingness to revisit the country.
Although the members of CUTIE STREET continued filming despite the awkward situation, the incident has left many viewers feeling uneasy.
With South Korea approaching the era of 20 million annual tourists, the need for improved transportation services and more consistent customer experience has become increasingly urgent.
Sources: TV Report,JTBC