South African photographer pays tribute to Korean bus drivers

• Published date: 10 March 2023
• Publication title: The Korea Times

Bus driver Lee Soon-il was taking a break at the bus terminal in Iksan, North Jeolla Province, on June 6, 2021, when Nathi Sihlophe from South Africa approached him for a chat.

Due to the language barrier, Lee, 62, said he found it difficult to make himself understood at the beginning of his conversation with the South African. "As our conversation continued, however, I came to understand what he was trying to say," he told The Korea Times. "Although we met briefly, I had a good first impression of him."

Their brief interaction was mostly non-verbal as neither speak the other's language fluently. As an icebreaker, the South African photographer familiarized himself with the bus driver before asking if he could take photos of him. Welcoming the offer, Lee posed inside and outside of his bus.

"When we checked the pictures, he realized that he wasn't wearing his name tag ? displaying his attention to detail and pride in his work," Sihlophe said. "Without hesitation, he invited me to follow him onto his bus and we continued our impromptu photo session inside."

Lee is one of the bus drivers the South African met and photographed in the bus terminal during summer 2021 for his photobook project, tentatively titled "Gisanim," or Mr. Driver.

Sihlophe's photo project reflects his personal connection with the transportation industry.

His father owned several minibus taxis commonly used for public transportation in South Africa.

"Before working on this project, I had limited interaction with bus drivers, mostly during my daily commutes," he said. "My preconceived notions of them were largely negative. However, by taking the time to connect with them outside of their work environment, I gained a more nuanced appreciation of their work and the challenges they face."

He said his photo project in Iksan Bus Terminal helped him develop greater empathy and respect for their hard work and dedication, rather than simply viewing it as a means of transportation.

Sihlophe called bus drivers "unsung heroes."

"The COVID-19 pandemic in particular highlighted the vital role that these drivers play in keeping communities safe and functioning," he said. "Amid the pandemic, they were responsible for implementing and enforcing social distancing measures, as well as keeping their buses clean and disinfected, often putting their own health on the line to ensure the safety of their passengers."

In 2021, Lee drove the 109 bus connecting the bus terminal to downtown Iksan. His work would finish after...