Around 50 taxi drivers in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, received prison sentences after assaulting passengers during heated fare disputes, often grabbing them by the collar or worse.
Severe Penalties for Violent Incidents
Authorities handed down these rulings following multiple investigations into driver aggression. One notable case involves a 53-year-old driver identified as A, who received a 10-month prison term for assaulting a female passenger. This incident stemmed from a special operation targeting violence against drivers.
September Assault on Elderly Passenger
Last September in Gangwon, the driver argued with a 70-year-old passenger, B, over the fare. He demanded, “Come out right now,” grabbed her hair, and physically attacked her.
August Attack on Intoxicated Rider
In a similar episode the previous August, the same driver targeted a drunk passenger who worked as a store owner in Chuncheon. He struck her repeatedly, flipped her over, and slapped her during the altercation.
Records show A has a history of violence-related offenses, including prior assaults and theft convictions, marking this as a pattern of repeated criminal behavior.
The lead prosecutor remarked, “The suspect has a record of violence-related crimes like assault and shows no remorse, continuing to offend despite past penalties.”
