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Nearly 500 'Kim Ji-mi' Graffiti Incidents Across Downtown Seoul... Author and Intent Remain a Mystery

Mysterious graffiti bearing the name 'Kim Ji-mi' has been discovered in succession across downtown Seoul, drawing curiosity from citizens. The same phrases have

Wooil Shim
Staff Reporter
4 min read
Nearly 500 'Kim Ji-mi' Graffiti Incidents Across Downtown Seoul... Author and Intent Remain a Mystery
CBC News

Mysterious graffiti bearing the name 'Kim Ji-mi' has been discovered in succession across downtown Seoul, drawing curiosity from citizens.

The same phrases have been repeatedly appearing at key locations in the city center, including Seoul Station, City Hall, Jongno, and Dongdaemun, but who left them and for what purpose remain unknown.

According to recent citizen reports, graffiti with phrases such as 'Kim Ji-mi,' 'Click Kim Ji-mi,' and 'World's Greatest Beauty Kim Ji-mi' written in black spray or marker has been found on various public facilities, including utility poles, transformers, and bus stops. The number of graffiti cases identified so far is reported to be around 500.

As the same phrases and handwriting appear repeatedly, there is speculation that a single individual may have written them over an extended period. In particular, based on the inclusion of expressions such as 'beauty' and 'passed away,' some have suggested the graffiti may refer to actress Kim Ji-mi, who passed away last year.

However, the actual intent behind the graffiti or any connection to the individual has not been confirmed, and no official evidence or investigation results supporting such theories have been disclosed.

Online, various speculations are circulating, including that it may be an attempt to drive traffic to a specific website, a viral marketing ploy, or an individual's one-way message. However, police stated that these possibilities remain unconfirmed.

Police received related reports and launched an investigation but were ultimately unable to identify a suspect, and the case is believed to have been closed without an arrest.

Experts point out that leaving graffiti on public facilities without permission cannot be dismissed as a simple prank. Defacing public facilities or another person's property can result in criminal penalties for property damage, and civil liability for restoration costs may also arise.

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Wooil Shim
Staff Reporter

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