Was illegal book lending something that actually happened during the Joseon period in Korea?

by honmamichin

In the recent drama "Secret Door" (taking place during the reign of King Yeongjo) there is a subplot about government crackdowns on illegal book lenders. Did such "secret" book lenders actually exist in Joseon and did the government really go after them? Or was this something made up just for the drama?

Hinmatoowyalahtqit

I have, unfortunately, not watched the drama. So could you elaborate on these illegal book lenders?