"Public Goods Are Not Personal Diaries"... Actor Kim Ji-ho Apologizes for 'Library Book Underlining' Controversy

Actor Kim Ji-ho faced fierce criticism after sharing a photo of personal notes made in a book borrowed from a public library on SNS. The incident raised concerns about the privatization of public goods, highlighting a lack of civic awareness as a public figure.

◆ 'Reading Review' Leads to 'Destruction Certification'... Public Outrage Over Pen Underlining

The controversy began when Kim Ji-ho posted a reading review of a novel on her SNS. She shared a photo of a page with underlined passages made with a pen, expressing her admiration for the work of author Kim Hoon. The issue arose from the fact that a clear 'Public Library Barcode Sticker' was affixed to the book's cover.

As the photo spread across online communities, netizens immediately expressed their outrage. Dominant reactions included comments like "a rude act that shows no consideration for the next borrower" and "shocking behavior treating public books as personal property." In particular, the use of a non-erasable pen raised concerns about the clear intent to damage the book.

◆ "It Was a Habitual Action" Apology... But 'Habitual Offense' Raises Doubts

As the controversy intensified, Kim Ji-ho posted an apology on SNS. She stated, "I apologize for causing discomfort with my careless actions. My habit of underlining in my own books unconsciously came out," and added, "I have realized my mistake through this criticism and will take responsibility by providing a new book to the library or paying the costs."

However, netizens remained skeptical. Upon tracking Kim Ji-ho's past SNS posts, additional photos were found showing various pens placed next to other books with library labels or evidence of writing. This led to suspicions that it was not just a one-time mistake but rather a habitual destruction of public books, keeping the controversy alive.

◆ Violation of Public Resource Usage Rules... "Issue of Public Dignity"

All public libraries in South Korea specify that if borrowed books are damaged, there is an obligation to compensate with the same book or pay an equivalent cost according to usage rules. Repeated acts of damage can lead to administrative actions such as suspension of borrowing rights. Experts have stated, "Celebrities who showcase their daily lives on SNS should pay more attention to adhering to public etiquette," and emphasized that this incident serves as a reminder of the basic civic awareness of 'protecting shared assets.'

Currently, it has been confirmed that Kim Ji-ho's side is in contact with the library to discuss compensation and follow-up actions. A representative from her agency stated, "She is deeply reflecting on her actions and plans to compensate sincerely according to the library's guidelines."