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| Yonhap |
By Jung Min-ho
A taxi driver has died after setting himself on fire in a protest over ride-sharing service Tada.
According to police and firefighters Wednesday, the driver, surnamed Ahn, 76, set himself alight near Seoul Plaza in central Seoul about 3:20 a.m.
He was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Police found an oil container and protest banners, including one that said "Tada Out," next to and inside his vehicle.
Tada is operated by mobility startup VCNC (Value Creator and Company), a subsidiary of car-sharing service SoCar. Since its launch in October 2018, the Tada app has gained popularity in major cities.
Taxi associations have strongly opposed the introduction of such services operated by companies such as Kakao Mobility and VCNC, claiming they pose a big threat to the entire taxi industry and their lives.
In protest at ride-hailing services, two taxi drivers burned themselves to death in December 2018 and January.
