On February 19, 2026, a flurry of headlines swept across South Korea, all centered on a single figure: Kim Seontae, the man affectionately dubbed 'Chungju Man' by his legion of fans and followers. His journey from a modest city official in Chungju to a national public relations sensation—and now, possibly, a Blue House insider—has captured the public’s imagination and stirred up a storm of speculation.
Kim Seontae’s rise to fame didn’t happen overnight. Starting as a grade 9 public servant in September 2016, Kim made his mark by spearheading Chungju City’s official YouTube channel, ChungTV. With a quirky, B-grade sensibility and a knack for honest, unvarnished content, he turned what could have been a dry municipal channel into a viral phenomenon. According to Good Morning Chungcheong, his efforts propelled ChungTV’s subscriber count to nearly a million—a staggering feat for any public institution in South Korea. The channel’s blend of humor, relatability, and on-the-ground vignettes drew audiences from across the country, making it a benchmark for municipal digital outreach.
Yet, just as ChungTV was approaching the milestone of one million subscribers, Kim stunned his colleagues and fans by submitting his resignation on February 13, 2026. As reported by Yonhap News, he immediately went on long-term leave and is expected to complete his retirement process by February 28. The news sent ripples through the ChungTV community: subscribers dropped from 975,000 to 751,000 almost overnight, though the number later stabilized at 757,000 by the afternoon of February 19, according to Good Morning Chungcheong.
Speculation about Kim’s next move reached fever pitch when it was revealed that he had met with Blue House officials on February 19. Some outlets, including The Chosun Ilbo, suggested that Kim had been offered a position in the Digital Communication Secretary Office, a department currently undergoing reorganization after the resignation of its previous secretary, Kim Nam-guk, in December 2025. The office has been keen to bolster its ranks, especially in the wake of a high-profile personnel shakeup.
But was there really a job offer on the table? Kim himself, in multiple interviews, sought to set the record straight. Speaking to Yonhap News, he described the encounter as nothing more than a brief, 10-minute "tea time" at the Blue House. "(A Blue House official) texted me, so I met them for about 10 minutes at the Blue House today," Kim explained. "It was just a conversation asking about my future plans and whether I was still interested in public service. It felt more like they were curious if I was leaning toward the private sector or still considering government work. There was no concrete offer at all, so I was really surprised to see reports saying otherwise."
He echoed these sentiments in a separate interview with Hankyung, saying, "It was just tea time. There was no specific position offered." When asked about his plans, Kim was candid: "Honestly, I’m still a public official right now. I plan to think about my next steps after March." As rumors swirled about his potential involvement in a gubernatorial election campaign, Kim flatly denied any such plans, stating, "I haven’t considered that at all. I think the rumors started because news of my resignation got out earlier than I expected. I don’t intend to make any decisions or consider anything until after the 28th."
The attention, it seems, has been overwhelming. Kim admitted to feeling exhausted by the media frenzy and the swirl of unfounded rumors, including speculation about internal conflicts at Chungju City Hall. "I really just want to rest, but there are so many reports about me that I can’t even relax. Some of the things being said are completely unexpected and personal. It’s all a bit much," he shared with Hankyung. In a heartfelt farewell video posted to ChungTV on February 13, Kim said, "I want to say goodbye after seven years living as Chungju Man. These seven years have been the happiest of my life." He later issued a statement clarifying that his resignation was motivated purely by personal ambition and the desire for new challenges, not by any internal disputes. "I want to make it clear that rumors of discord are not true. My decision came after much thought about personal goals and future challenges. I hope unverified speculation and reckless criticism won’t spread further," he stated.
Kim’s creative talents have not gone unnoticed outside Chungju. His ability to connect with citizens and revitalize public relations through digital platforms has made him a sought-after speaker and a case study in effective government communication. According to News1, he recently delivered a special lecture on "Chungju’s SNS Story" at the Government Complex in Sejong, sharing insights with staff from the Ministry of Personnel Management.
Meanwhile, the Digital Communication Secretary Office at the Blue House continues its search for new talent. The department has been in flux since the resignation of Kim Nam-guk amid controversy in December 2025, as reported by The Chosun Ilbo. While Kim Seontae’s name may have surfaced as a potential candidate, no official appointment has been made. The Blue House itself has been tight-lipped, with a spokesperson noting, "Personnel matters are difficult to confirm in detail."
The broader context to this story includes ongoing efforts by President Lee Jae-myung’s administration to reform government operations. On February 19, President Lee ordered a thorough investigation into local governments’ compliance with wage guarantees for sanitation workers, instructing that responsible parties be strictly disciplined and unpaid wages be swiftly addressed. The same day, a high-level meeting at the Blue House discussed strategic, performance-based budget allocation, increased transparency, and greater public participation in fiscal matters. There was also talk of ramping up efforts to attract global science and technology talent through more efficient R&D investment and international recruitment strategies, according to The Chosun Ilbo.
Back in Chungju, the impact of Kim’s departure is being felt keenly. ChungTV, once on the cusp of a million subscribers, is now navigating a new era under the stewardship of Kim Jiho, who recently introduced himself in a short video titled "Chuno." While the channel’s future remains uncertain, there’s no denying the legacy Kim leaves behind—a testament to the power of creativity, authenticity, and digital innovation in public service.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Kim Seontae’s story is far from over. Whether he returns to public office, heads to the private sector, or blazes an entirely new trail, all eyes will be on his next move—and perhaps, that’s just how he likes it.