Former Idol Group Member Now a Taxi Driver: “Daily Goal is 300,000 Won, Meals Are Kimbap”

[Financial News] Taeheon, a former member of ZE:A (Children of Empire), shared an update on his life as a taxi driver.
On the 18th, Taeheon uploaded a video titled “ZE:A Taeheon, Shaken by First Drunk Passenger. The Shocking Reason for Turning on the Red Light After 5 Hours” on his YouTube channel, Next Taeheon. The video showed Taeheon working late-night shifts as a taxi driver.
In the video, Taeheon said, “This is my second day driving a taxi. On my first day, I realized that even taking time to eat felt like a waste. My goal today is 300,000 won.”
He packed kimbap and an energy bar for his meals and set out to pick up passengers all around Seoul.
While making light conversation with passengers, Taeheon candidly shared, “Being an idol was very tough, but honestly, I think every job is hard in its own way. I’ve tried various things in life, and everyone faces their own struggles.”
He also joked, “It’s been 16 years since ZE:A debuted. After Kwanghee and Park Hyung-sik, I think I’m the next most successful member.”
That day, Taeheon revealed he earned 63,400 won after about three hours of driving. He commented, “Night shifts are less stressful because there’s no traffic.” The video also captured situations where an intoxicated passenger spoke rudely to him or asked to be taken to a different destination than originally stated.
Taeheon remarked, “It was a bit tough when passengers who had drunk too much got in, but I believe these experiences are all part of the process of improving.”
Meanwhile, Kim Taeheon debuted in 2010 as a member of ZE:A (Children of Empire), promoting songs such as 'Mazeltov' and 'Aftermath.' After his exclusive contract expired in 2017, the members moved to different agencies, effectively putting group activities on hold.
gaa1003@fnnews.com Ahn Ga-eul Reporter