"Is This a Power Struggle?"... Controversy Over Dog Owner's "Apology Letter in Chinese Characters" After Leaving Dog Feces in Elevator

Dog Owner Posts Handwritten Apology Letter After Residents' Complaints
Apology Written in Chinese Characters Sparks Controversy Among Residents

After a resident left pet dog feces unattended in an apartment elevator and received complaints from neighbors, it was reported that the resident posted an "apology letter written in Chinese characters." This sparked backlash from other residents, with one asking, "Is this a power struggle?" On October 1, a post titled "Absurd Apology Letter from the Dog Owner Regarding the Incident of Dog Feces Left in the Center of the Apartment Elevator" was uploaded to the online community BobaeDream.

The apology letter mixed with Chinese characters and Hangul read, "Dear residents, around 8 PM on September 29, 2025, I failed to notice the pet waste left in the elevator, causing inconvenience to all residents. I sincerely apologize. From the pet owner." Online community 'BobaeDream'

The author, Mr. A, stated, "On the afternoon of September 29, an unreasonable and unpleasant incident occurred in the apartment," explaining, "A dog owner exited the elevator without cleaning up after their dog defecated inside." Several residents had to use the elevator while avoiding the dog feces, and some children even stepped in it. As a result, residents filed complaints with the management office, and eventually, a security guard cleaned the inside of the elevator.

The management office checked the CCTV footage and informed the dog owner about the residents' complaints. The dog owner then posted a handwritten apology letter inside the elevator. Mr. A lamented, "The problem is that the apology letter was written in Chinese characters, so it felt completely insincere," adding, "It seemed like the intent was to appear sophisticated rather than to genuinely reflect on the wrongdoing."

Mr. A went on to say that he would attach a protest message next to the apology letter, stating, "Despite having our precious native language, you covered it with Chinese characters. Why does anger come before understanding when reading this apology? Are you aware that a beloved pet dog can instantly turn into a stray dog because of the owner's attitude?" The apology letter, written in a mix of Chinese characters and Hangul, read, "Dear residents, around 8 PM on September 29, 2025, I failed to notice the pet waste left in the elevator, causing inconvenience to all residents. I sincerely apologize. From the pet owner."

Mr. A posted a protest message next to the apology letter saying, "Despite having our precious native language, you covered it all with Chinese characters. Why does anger come before understanding when reading this apology? Are you aware that a beloved pet dog can instantly turn into a stray dog because of the owner's attitude?" Online community 'BobaeDream'

Online reactions were divided. Some commented, "They're showing annoyance at being criticized," "Are they not Korean but perhaps of Chinese-Korean descent?" and "Trying to look educated, but even wrote the Chinese character for 'deeply' incorrectly." On the other hand, some defended the dog owner. One user remarked, "Judging solely by the content, the letter expresses respect and consideration for other residents," and added, "It could be a polite apology letter written by someone from a generation educated in Chinese characters."