Kim Seon-tae, better known as 'Chungju Man,' has been a familiar face to hundreds of thousands of South Koreans who follow Chungju City's official YouTube channel, ChungTV. But as of February 12, 2026, the influential civil servant and digital content creator has taken a decisive step toward leaving public office, submitting his resignation and beginning a long-term leave that marks the end of an era for the channel he built from scratch.
According to reports from Money Today and YTN, Kim, aged 39, formally handed in his resignation letter to Chungju City's personnel department on February 12 and immediately began using his accrued vacation days. He plans to officially retire from public service at the end of February. While the city has not yet processed his resignation, officials confirm that the procedure will move forward as requested. "As he has expressed his intention to resign, we will process it according to procedure," a city official told YTN.
Kim's sudden departure has left many residents and fans across the country puzzled. After all, not only did he become a household name through his work on ChungTV, but he also played a pivotal role in transforming the city’s digital presence. With nearly one million subscribers—an extraordinary feat for a public sector channel—ChungTV became a model for municipal digital outreach, driven almost entirely by Kim's vision and relentless work ethic.
Kim joined Chungju City as a grade 9 civil servant and, within just seven years, rose to the position of team leader—a meteoric rise in the typically slow-moving world of public administration. As noted by Money Today, his promotion to grade 6 at the end of 2023 made headlines, with many observers crediting his unique contributions to the city’s image for the rapid advancement. He was known for doing it all: planning, casting, filming, and editing each video himself. His signature 'B-grade' humor, combined with a raw, on-the-ground editing style, resonated with viewers far beyond Chungju’s borders, earning him a reputation as a trailblazer among public servant influencers.
Kim’s creative approach wasn’t limited to YouTube. In 2023, he appeared on the popular TV variety show 'Hell's Court,' where he staged a mock lawsuit demanding a special promotion from then-mayor Jo Gil-hyung. The satirical performance drew laughs and attention, further cementing his status as a cultural figure. The following year, he broke new ground by becoming the first public servant to appear on MBC’s singing competition 'King of Mask Singer,' showcasing yet another side of his dynamic personality.
Despite his growing fame, Kim had previously turned down lucrative private sector offers, some reportedly offering more than double his government salary. “I have received several job offers. Some offered more than double my current salary,” he once explained on MBC. “But I have no intention of leaving. If I leave Chungju Man, I feel it would not benefit Chungju. I have no plans to go.” This statement, made just last year, makes the timing and nature of his resignation all the more surprising.
Speculation about Kim’s future has been swirling for some time—especially after former mayor Jo Gil-hyung resigned early to pursue a run for Chungbuk governor. The political shift put a spotlight on other prominent city officials, with many wondering if Kim would follow suit. Adding to the intrigue, Kim once stated that he would consider retiring once ChungTV reached one million subscribers. The channel currently boasts around 970,000, tantalizingly close to that milestone.
For now, the reasons behind Kim’s abrupt decision remain unclear. Both Money Today and YTN report that he has not publicly disclosed his motivations or future plans. “He did not mention his future plans,” a city official told Money Today, “but it seems he will take some time to recharge before deciding on a new path.” The city has announced that ChungTV will continue to operate under the stewardship of the New Media Team until a suitable successor is found.
Kim’s story is remarkable not just for his personal achievements, but for what it signals about the evolving role of public servants in the digital age. When he first took charge of ChungTV, few could have predicted that a municipal YouTube channel would amass a near-million-strong following. Through short, impactful videos—often infused with humor and a sense of immediacy—Kim managed to connect with audiences in ways that traditional government communication rarely achieves. His success has inspired other local governments to experiment with new media, hoping to replicate Chungju’s viral formula.
His approach was hands-on and deeply personal. As YTN notes, Kim managed every aspect of production himself, from brainstorming concepts to editing the final cut. His ability to inject 'B-grade' sensibility—a term often used in Korea to describe quirky, self-deprecating humor—and his commitment to authenticity won him accolades from both viewers and colleagues. In a world where public sector communication is often criticized for being dry and bureaucratic, Kim’s work stood out as a breath of fresh air.
Yet, the pressures of such visibility may have played a role in his decision to step down. The intense workload, coupled with the expectations of a growing fanbase and the scrutiny that comes with public life, can weigh heavily on even the most resilient personalities. While Kim has not cited burnout or external pressure as reasons for his resignation, it’s clear that his journey has not been without challenges.
His departure also raises questions about the future of ChungTV and the broader landscape of government-led digital content. Will the channel maintain its unique voice and momentum without its original creator? The New Media Team faces the daunting task of filling Kim’s shoes while navigating the expectations of nearly a million subscribers. As the search for a new 'Chungju Man' begins, many will be watching to see if the channel can continue to thrive—or if Kim’s departure marks the end of a golden era for Chungju’s digital outreach.
For now, Kim Seon-tae’s legacy is secure. He has shown that even the most traditional institutions can reinvent themselves in the age of social media, provided they have the right blend of creativity, authenticity, and dedication. As Chungju City and its residents look to the future, Kim’s influence will undoubtedly linger—both online and off.