A Korean actress’ image has taken a hit as she was criticized for acting without common sense.
On the 18th, Kim Ji Ho shared an update on her Instagram account. She revealed the difficulties she was facing, saying, “I haven’t been able to do yoga for over three months due to a slipped disc and radiating pain, and I’m undergoing treatment and rehabilitation,” adding that she was also dealing with her parents’ illnesses. Along with this, she posted a photo of herself reading in a hospital room.
Kim Ji Ho expressed her affection for the book, writing, “I postponed returning it and finally finished reading it. My phone distracted me, but the words kept pulling me in. Because I’m sick, struggling, and lonely, the writing resonates even more with me.” The book in question was a work by author Kim Hoon.
The problem, however, was in the details of the photo. In Kim Ji Ho’s hand was a pen, and clear underlining made with a pen was visible throughout the book. Since the book had a library barcode, it was a public book, not a personal copy, leading to criticism for damaging public property.
The reading proof shot sparked controversy. There was an outpouring of criticism calling her “ignorant behavior” and saying “she has no concept of public goods” because she casually revealed that she had scribbled in a book used by many people at a public library. It was also revealed that Kim Ji Ho had previously posted photos of underlined library books, leading to accusations of “habitual neglect.”
As the controversy grew, Kim Ji Ho eventually issued an apology. She bowed her head, saying, “I apologize to those who were uncomfortable due to my careless behavior,” and, “Even though it was a book borrowed from a public library, my habit of underlining in books came out. It was an unacceptable action.”
She promised responsible solutions, adding, “I will either purchase a new copy to provide to the library or pay the replacement cost for the book,” and stated, “I will be more careful with my actions going forward based on this experience.”
Kim Ji Ho has been loved for her calm and intellectual image, but her casual disregard for damaging public property has increased disappointment and ultimately led to a decline in her image.