The Nation's Only 'Beauty Taxi,' Started from Daughter's Words "I Put on Makeup While Being Self-Conscious," Is Finally Closing Down

The 'Beauty Taxi,' which attracted attention for being equipped with various beauty items such as mirrors and hair straighteners inside the taxi, has ceased operations after receiving a safety report. According to Kakao Mobility's regional headquarters on the 6th, last month the headquarters requested the Daejeon-area transportation company and taxi driver to which the Beauty Taxi belonged to voluntarily remove the items inside the taxi, stating that it violated franchise operation regulations.

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The nation's only 'Beauty Taxi' was operated by taxi driver An Seong-woo (62). Mr. An reportedly started replacing his vehicle because he felt that taxi fares were rising daily while the service remained unchanged. He had also considered decorating the interior with his favorite figurines, but the 'Beauty Taxi' was born after his daughter said, "I feel self-conscious about putting on makeup in the taxi because of the driver."

[Image source=YouTube channel 'SBS News' capture]

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Mr. An said, "I hope it becomes a taxi that can help customers with their makeup," and concretized the idea. Starting around September 2022 with just one mirror, the taxi gained attention by being equipped with hair straighteners, rubber bands, hairpins, tail combs, stockings, foot covers, artificial tears, and more. Passengers posted reviews on social media, calling it a 'Daejeon specialty.' Last year, Mr. An was selected as 'Crew of the Month' by Kakao Mobility based on 'service' and 'safe driving,' and received a coffee truck as a prize.

[Image source=Screenshot of Daejeon TJB News broadcast]

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However, the 'Beauty Taxi' reportedly received a notice from Kakao recently that it could no longer operate due to "excessive service." Kakao told Daejeon TJB News, "During a comprehensive inspection conducted in December last year, some Beauty Taxi items such as hair straighteners were deemed to pose safety risks, and improvements were requested," adding, "Franchise taxis must provide uniform services, but the 'Beauty Taxi' deviated from the set framework, and user complaints were received, so we had no choice but to impose sanctions."

In response, Mr. An said, "(Kakao) takes the position that 'excessive service,' which is not specified in the regulations, cannot be tolerated, but I have endured because customers liked it," adding, "I feel sorry to the citizens of Daejeon. I will look for new work that can make even one person happy."

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