“Taxi Driver’s Misery Chronicles: Marjangdong, Double Ride!”

February 13, 2024 250 Views

In our daily lives, we often encounter taxis, but we typically only ride in them from the perspective of the “customer.” It’s rare for us to consider taxis as a profession.

These days, with the economy not doing so well and taxi fares increasing, the term “double ride” is almost unheard of. However, before Korea experienced the 1997 financial crisis, the economy was relatively stable, and there was a culture of paying extra for taxis during off-peak hours when taxis were hard to come by. The term “double ride” comes from this practice, indicating that passengers would pay double the fare during busy times when taxis were scarce.

However, with the rise in taxi fares and the downturn in the economy, such words are hardly heard anymore. Perhaps it’s a term that has faded into obscurity with the times.

“Taxi Driver’s Misery Chronicles: Marjangdong, Double Ride!”

Reading a book with such a title brings to mind the old days in Korea. The book, subtitled “Taxi Driver’s Misery Chronicles,” compiles stories of “fraud experiences” encountered by taxi drivers.

However, as the title suggests, while the stories may be considered “depressing,” the way they are presented is quite delightful. Therefore, readers can also feel a sense of amusement while exploring the lives of taxi drivers.

“Common Scenarios of Fraudsters”

Among the various episodes presented in the book, there are common scenarios followed by fraudsters. They operate systematically, plan meticulously, and stimulate people’s “desires.” By subtly manipulating people’s desires, they “tempt” them into their schemes.

On the other hand, if one were to consider it calmly and rationally, it would seem obvious, but when faced with the situations described in the book, one might also feel that they could fall prey to temptation and be taken advantage of.

The back page of the book introduces parts of the following stories:

“Driver Yoon quickly opened the trunk. As he unpacked the gift-wrapped box, Driver Yoon hesitated in his tracks. Inside the box was a gold-plated glass bottle filled with sand, and a bunch of crumpled newspapers filled the space between the box and the bottle. The contents were nothing more than garbage, disguised to look like a valuable gift, worth the advance fare.”
- From Episode 1, “To become a fate, it must be made very coincidentally, hohoho!”
“Taxi drivers like you make good taxi drivers suffer, understand?” While filling out the victim’s statement, Driver Choi struggled with handcuffs in chaos and darkness. It wasn’t until the next morning that Driver Choi was able to settle the matter by signing a settlement and writing another document. It was only after Driver Choi’s wife, who received a call, came with ten million won in compensation for mental damages from the two passengers.
- From Episode 6, “Chase, Catch the Adultery Scene!”

Through the book, readers can indirectly experience the various trials and tribulations of taxi drivers. While the book collects stories of taxi drivers being “scammed,” its narrative style makes it an easy and enjoyable read.

“Taxi Driver’s Misery Chronicles: Marjangdong, Double Ride!”