Yeosu City, South Jeolla Province, is facing backlash for sending an official notice instructing taxi drivers to watch what they say, after pointing to them as the source of false criticism regarding the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo.

According to Yeosu City yesterday (September 21), the city recently sent an official document to local taxi companies titled "Request for Education (Guidance) on Prohibiting Taxi Workers from Spreading Rumors Related to the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo."

In the notice, Yeosu City stated, "There is public opinion that drivers are spreading rumors, such as claims that preparations for the Island Expo are inadequate." It added, "We judge that dissatisfaction over a decrease in revenue among drivers may be manifesting as rumor-spreading behavior."

Comparing individual revenue over a nine-day period from the first to the second weekend of September last year and this year, the city claimed, "While no revenue decline was observed, we believe that the failure to see a noticeable surge in income compared to high expectations for a special boom may have led to dissatisfaction."

The city also requested that companies educate their transport workers to refrain from spreading rumors and instead promote the event's goals and purpose, noting that their income would increase if the Island Expo succeeds.

The industry pushed back against the official notice, which seemed to paint taxi drivers as rumor-mongers.

An official from a taxi company said, "If anything, we would help an international event held in our hometown rather than fabricate stories and tarnish its reputation to passengers." They added, "It is regrettable that the city perceives and disparages taxi drivers as if we are spreading malicious rumors just because we are not making much money."

As criticisms regarding the Island Expo flooded social media—such as the reenactment of traditional boat songs using trucks and the poor composition of soy sauce-marinated set meals at the main venue's cafeteria—Yeosu City released an official stance stating, "We will accept constructive criticism, but we will respond firmly to acts such as capturing citizens' faces without permission to mock or insult them."

(Photo provided by Yeosu City, Yonhap News)