On the 23rd, Kim Ji-ho issued an apology on her social media account, stating, "I accidentally underlined the last part of a book borrowed from a public library, a habit I have with my own books. It's inexcusable."
She promised to replace the book or compensate for the damage, explaining, "I wanted to remember the last part, and my habit of underlining in my own books slipped out."
On the 18th, Kim shared a photo on her personal account of herself reading Kim Hoon's novel 'Alone at a Distance,' along with an image of the underlined book, mentioning, "I finally finished reading it after delaying the return."
This incident has drawn attention due to Kim Ji-ho's recent activities as an 'author.' Last year, she published her first essay collection, 'When the Heart Trembles, I Willingly Become Alone,' and announced on her social media that it had become a bestseller.
The bookstore reported that the book went into its seventh printing just seven weeks after release, congratulating Kim on her debut as an author.
The contrast between her love for books, as shown by publishing her own, and the act of damaging a public library book is striking.
Netizens are recalling an episode from the 2014 tvN show 'Three Meals a Day,' where Kim, as a guest, earned the nickname 'Garden Breaker' for consuming all the garden produce, and was jokingly told by fellow cast member Lee Seo-jin, "Don't come back."
What was once seen as a humorous moment on a variety show is now being linked to the current controversy over public property damage.
Reactions online are mixed. Some netizens argue that "using a pen on a library book is a matter of public etiquette," while others believe "since she admitted her mistake and promised compensation, excessive criticism should be avoided."
The controversy, which began with underlining a public book, has expanded to include her career as an author and past TV appearances, keeping public interest alive.
Reporter Na-yeon Cho, TenAsia nybluebook@tenasia.co.kr