By Kwon Mee-yoo
Staff Reporter
Civic groups are calling on the government to strengthen background checks on taxi drivers and prevent those with prior convictions for violence against women from being allowed behind the wheel.
The move follows a rise in the number of repeat crimes by such taxi drivers.
Officers from Daedok Police Station in Daejeon are questioning a taxi driver identified as Ahn, 41, for murdering a woman after he sexually assaulted her.
According to the police, Ahn threatened the victim, took 7,000 won in cash and her credit cards. He confessed to tying her up and taping her mouth, and leaving her in the car trunk where she died of asphyxiation. Ahn said that he drove passengers around with the body of the victim in the trunk before dumping it.
He is also suspected of murdering three other female passengers since 2004.
Another taxi driver, Kim, 55, was caught last December for strangling a passenger to death and abandoning her body in southern city of Gwangju.
Both drivers have criminal records and had worked for taxi companies after being released from prison.
"I often take taxis when I work late or have department get-togethers," said female office worker Hong Jung-eun, 27. "After these incidents, I make it a rule to call my parents or boyfriend when I ride in a taxi and note the driver's name or car plate number."
She said she has to take cabs late at night despite the possible danger as they are usually the only means of transportation after she finishes work.
In June 2006, the Passenger Transport Business Act was revised to block criminals getting their driver's license within two years of their release.
However, most taxi companies hire drivers without proper background checks.
Taxi companies also lend vehicles to people who make daily payments under a separate contract. These "contract" taxis can be used in crimes as the drivers' backgrounds are rarely checked.
In ddition, many taxi firms suffer from a shortage of drivers, often making them hire any applicants.
"It is a public safety issue so there should be more regulations when hiring drivers," a representative of the People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy said.