"Why Is Smoking in My Own Home a Problem? A Brazen Notice Posted in an Apartment Asking for Some Patience"

A notice related to smoking, presumed to be written by a resident smoker in an apartment./Photo by Online Community

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] A presumptively arrogant cooperation notice written by a smoking resident was found in an apartment, sparking public outrage online.

On the 20th, a photo was posted under the title "An Apartment Cooperation Notice" on an online community.

The paper labeled "Cooperation Notice" read, "I smoke cigarettes on my veranda. Since I smoke in my own home, you should just endure it. What's the problem with me smoking in my own house?"

It continued, "I have received several complaint calls from the management office, but I have no intention of listening," adding, "So if you smell cigarette smoke in the future, just close your windows."

It also stated, "Please consider that all the cigarette butts found in the hallway are mine. By the way, I will post this notice on every floor, so you don't need to spread rumors."

Netizens who saw the notice expressed disbelief. Comments included, "How can someone be like that?" "If you are going to smoke at home, you should definitely close the windows so the smoke doesn't escape," and "Cigarettes cause harm not only through smell but also to health. Such a selfish person."

Recently, posts complaining about suffering from cigarette smoke between apartment floors have been steadily appearing on online communities. In June, a resident in an apartment in Busan posted a cooperation notice asking to refrain from indoor smoking in places like bathrooms and verandas, but a rebuttal note circulated saying, "The veranda and bathroom are personal spaces. Either move to a more expensive apartment or secure smoking areas for smokers."

Meanwhile, conflicts related to secondhand smoke have intensified as indoor living increased after COVID-19. According to the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, complaints about cigarette smoke (secondhand smoke) between floors received through the National Sinmungo system last year totaled 2,844 cases, a 19.2% increase from 2,386 cases in 2019.