Yeosu City Sparks Backlash After Blaming Taxi Drivers for False Rumors Over World Island Expo Controversy

The city of Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, is facing controversy after sending an official document that appeared to point to taxi drivers as the source of malicious rumors and criticism regarding the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo.

Yeosu recently sent an official document titled "Request for Education to Prevent Taxi Drivers from Spreading Rumors Regarding the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo" to local taxi companies.

In the document, the city stated, "There is public sentiment that drivers are spreading rumors, such as inadequate preparations for the Island Expo," adding, "We judge that the drivers' dissatisfaction regarding declining revenues may be manifesting as rumor-spreading behavior."

Comparing per-capita revenues over a nine-day period from the first to the second weekend of September last year and this year, the city claimed, "While there is no noticeable decline in revenue, we believe the lack of a prominent boost compared to expectations for a special economic boom could lead to dissatisfaction."

The city also requested that companies educate their transport workers to prohibit the spread of rumors and help promote the goals and purpose of the event, arguing that revenues would increase once the Island Expo succeeds.

The local taxi industry immediately protested against the official document, which appeared to corner taxi drivers as rumor-mongers.

They criticized the city for designating taxi drivers as spreaders of rumors without any substantial basis and treating them as if they were maliciously circulating rumors due to dissatisfaction with their income.

An official from a taxi company expressed frustration, saying, "Instead of hindering an international event held in our hometown, why would we go around tarnishing its reputation by telling fabricated stories to passengers?" The official added, "It is regrettable that the city perceives and portrays taxi drivers as if we are incapable of making much money and go around spreading malicious rumors."

Recently, criticism surrounding the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo has mounted on social media and other platforms, putting issues under fire such as the reenactment of traditional boat songs using trucks and the poor composition of soy sauce-marinated crab set meals at the main venue's cafeteria.

As the controversy grew, Yeosu released an official statement declaring, "While we accept constructive criticism, we will take a firm stance against acts that capture citizens' faces without permission to ridicule or insult them."

Reported by Jung Da-eun | Video by IYOO | Graphics by Lee Jung-joo | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.