Yeosu Mayor Seo Young-Hak Finally Apologizes Over Notice to Taxi Drivers

[Financial News] Yeosu Mayor Seo Young-Hak apologized over the so-called "gag-order notice" controversy, in which taxi transport workers were singled out as the source of false rumors and disparaging claims about the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo.
On the 24th, Mayor Seo wrote on Facebook, "The administration, which should have listened to voices from the field, instead sent an official notice that damaged your reputations and hurt you emotionally."
He continued, "It was a careless administrative decision made without sufficiently verifying the facts or taking the perspective of those working in the field into account. I will review and rectify not only the process of drafting and sending the notice, but also whether there were problems with the reporting and approval procedures that have been carried out as a matter of routine."
The taxi industry had protested that its workers were branded as rumor spreaders before the facts had been verified.
Mayor Seo wrote, "I will transform the administration into one with greater sensitivity to the realities of the field and restore the principles of public-sector discipline and accountable governance. I once again bow my head in apology for hurting the honor of the taxi transport workers who serve as the citizens' feet while covering the city in the field."
Yeosu recently sent an official notice to local taxi companies stating, "There is public sentiment that drivers are spreading rumors, such as claims that preparations for the Island Expo are inadequate."

[email protected] Kang Gu-gwi Reporter