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South Korean authorities are investigating a shocking case of a bus driver who was caught using an illegal gambling app while driving on a busy intercity highway. The incident occurred on November 10 during a trip from Suwon in Gyeonggi Province to Seoul’s Gangnam District, with the bus reportedly “nearly full” at the time of the dangerous behavior.
The case came to light after a passenger recorded the driver repeatedly looking away from the road to focus on his phone. The video, broadcast the same day by JTBC, showed the driver scrolling, tapping, and switching between screens as he allegedly wagered money on an illegal online gambling platform. Witnesses told local media outlet Seoul Kyungjae that the driver continued this behavior for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
One passenger described the experience as frightening, explaining that the driver was making high-speed lane changes while keeping one eye on the phone. Another said the driver’s constant shifting of attention created a sense of panic among riders who feared the bus could veer out of control at any moment.
The bus operator, whose name was not disclosed, stated that the company would conduct a full internal investigation. Officials said that if the driver is confirmed to have used his phone while driving, he could face disciplinary actions and a company-issued fine. The operator added that it would cooperate fully with any law enforcement inquiries.
Beyond employer penalties, the driver may also face legal consequences. Under the South Korean Passenger Transport Service Act, bus and taxi drivers are explicitly barred from using electronic devices to make calls, watch videos, play games, or engage in any other activity that distracts them from driving. Violators can face fines of up to 5 million won (approximately $3,405) if convicted in court.
Authorities noted that the behavior captured in the video would likely qualify as a serious breach of safety rules, given the driver’s prolonged distraction and the large number of passengers aboard. Police are currently assessing whether to pursue criminal charges in addition to administrative penalties.
In a separate case highlighting the growing scope of illegal gambling activity, the Daegu Metropolitan Police Agency announced the arrest of 139 individuals involved in operating a Texas Hold ’em gambling den. According to NoCut News, the illegal operation ran from January to August and processed an estimated 5.8 billion won (around $3.9 million) in bets. Six people have been taken into custody as part of the investigation.
The arrests come amid rising concerns among South Korean officials about unregulated gambling environments, including the increasing popularity of claw machines. Local government leaders have warned that such machines are contributing to addictive behavior and encouraging risky habits among children.
Both incidents have intensified calls for stricter enforcement against illegal gambling operations and harsher penalties for individuals who endanger public safety through reckless behavior.
