This piece recounts the tragic event surrounding a ride-hailing worker, affectionately referred to as '형님', who was severely injured by a drunken driver while waiting for work outside a convenience store in Seongnam, South Korea. The author describes the camaraderie shared among the workers, their struggles, and the fleeting moments of respite they experience between calls. On that fateful night, '형님' remained outside alone, seeking just one more job, highlighting the pressures and competition faced in the gig economy.

The narrative paints a poignant picture of the individual behind the job. The author's reflections reveal the deep sense of community among ride-hailing drivers, contrasted starkly with the solitary nature of their work, especially as they compete against daunting algorithms from large platforms. The tragic accident occurring at 11:40 PM, with a blood alcohol content of 0.25% from the driver, underscores the vulnerability of gig workers who often put themselves in precarious situations to make a living.

The media coverage, reduced to a few lines reporting the incident, fails to capture the broader implications of labor, responsibility, and the human stories behind such statistics. The plight of '형님', who was left in a state of unconsciousness following the crash, symbolizes the existential struggles of many workers in the gig economy, who are often overlooked in discussions about labor rights and workplace safety. This tragedy serves as a critical reminder of the dire need for systemic change regarding the treatment of gig workers in society.