Author voluntarily deletes post amid controversy over civil servant status
Unclear whether worn during political situation
A netizen claiming to be an employee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted that they are selling a hat personally worn by BTS's Jungkook for 10 million won, sparking ongoing controversy. Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Bora Lee] A controversy has arisen after a netizen posted a message claiming to sell a hat worn by BTS member Jungkook for 10 million won.
On the 17th, a user who claimed to be an employee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted a message titled "Selling a hat directly worn by BTS Jungkook for 10 million won" on an online secondhand trading site.
The poster explained, "I acquired this hat last September," adding, "It was left in the waiting area when BTS made a secret visit to the passport office to get diplomatic passports." He further stated, "After reporting the lost item, there were no calls or visits to claim it for six months, so the finder acquired ownership."
The poster claimed, "This is a hat that BTS Jungkook personally wore and it shows considerable signs of use. It is an item that cannot be obtained even by paying money," and added, "Since he is a globally famous singer, the collectible value is expected to increase."
He also explained the reason for setting the high price of 10 million won, saying, "The price is non-negotiable. I believe it will be worth more than the current price in the future." Along with this, the poster uploaded a photo of his government employee ID.
However, it has not been confirmed whether the hat posted by the user actually belonged to Jungkook. Meanwhile, when netizens asked the poster if he was certain about ownership, he reportedly replied, "No problem." But as controversy arose over whether it was appropriate for a government official to post such a message, the poster deleted the post.
According to the Lost Property Act, 'quasi-lost property' such as items left by others, mistakenly possessed items, or lost livestock are subject to Article 253 of the Civil Act. Article 253 of the Civil Act states, "If the owner does not claim rights within six months after the lost property is publicly announced as prescribed by law, the finder acquires ownership."
In the case of the hat posted by the user, it qualifies as "an item left by another person," and the finder must report this fact to the police station and submit the found item within seven days. Failure to report to the police within seven days results in losing the right to compensation and ownership of the found item. Using lost property without notifying the police after acquisition can lead to punishment.
However, the poster did not provide separate explanations regarding whether he reported to the police within seven days after acquisition or whether he received any notification or message confirming ownership of the hat.
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