On a chilly February morning in Chungju, South Korea, the city’s digital community woke up to news that sent ripples through both local government and the YouTube world. Kim Seon-tae, better known as 'Chungju Man', the face and driving force behind Chungju’s official YouTube channel, ChungTV, had submitted his resignation. For the nearly one million subscribers who tuned in for his signature humor and offbeat editing, it was an unexpected goodbye from a civil servant who’d become a national sensation.
According to multiple Korean news outlets, including Hankyoreh, JoongAng Ilbo, and Kyunghyang Shinmun, Kim handed in his resignation letter to Chungju City’s personnel department on February 12, 2026, and immediately began a long-term leave. City officials confirmed the news, with one spokesperson telling Hankyoreh, “It is true that he recently expressed his intention to resign. The process is underway internally.” As of February 13, the resignation was still being processed, but Kim had already stepped away from his official duties and was on leave through the end of the month.
Kim’s departure marks the end of a remarkable chapter for both the city and its digital outreach. Since joining the public service as a grade 9 official in September 2016, Kim’s ascent was unusually rapid—he was promoted to grade 6 by late 2023, a climb that typically takes about 15 years. His success wasn’t just bureaucratic; under his stewardship, ChungTV’s subscriber count soared to 975,000 as of February 13, making it one of the most popular municipal YouTube channels in the country.
The channel’s meteoric rise was due in large part to Kim’s unique approach. Blending quick-witted banter, quirky 'B-grade' sensibility, and clever parodies, he transformed ChungTV from a staid government mouthpiece into a vibrant, must-watch destination. His alter ego, 'Chungju Man', became a household name, and his videos—often featuring local celebrities or humorous takes on city life—resonated with a broad audience. As Kyunghyang Shinmun noted, Kim’s work was “recognized for changing public institution promotion methods with his unique 'B-grade' sensibility and lively editing style.”
Kim’s influence didn’t stop at subscriber numbers. His innovative style set a new standard for how public institutions could engage citizens. Instead of dry press releases or formal announcements, ChungTV delivered content that felt authentic and accessible—sometimes even a bit cheeky. This approach not only broadened the channel’s reach but also brought national attention to Chungju’s digital initiatives. In fact, Kim’s work has been cited as a model for other municipalities looking to modernize their communications and connect with younger generations.
Despite his success, Kim had long hinted at a personal milestone: he would retire once ChungTV hit one million subscribers. Last October, when the channel crossed the 900,000 mark, he posted a video titled "Thank You for 900,000 Subscribers." When a viewer asked if he wanted to reconsider his retirement pledge, Kim replied, “My intention to retire has not changed. So, if you don’t want to see me anymore, please subscribe quickly. Fast subscriptions are the only way.” It was classic Chungju Man—playful yet resolute.
On February 10, just days before his resignation, Kim appeared in a ChungTV video alongside actor Park Jung-min, showing no signs of slowing down. But behind the scenes, he was preparing for a new chapter. In a brief 36-second farewell video posted to ChungTV on February 13, Kim addressed his audience: “After 7 years as Chungju Man, I’m here to say goodbye. I think my small success was thanks to the support of our subscribers.” He went on, “The 7 years I spent with you were the happiest of my life. I hope you continue to love Chungju.”
In a phone interview with Yonhap News cited by JoongAng Ilbo, Kim elaborated on his decision: “My goal was to reach one million subscribers, and I think I’ve almost achieved it. I submitted my resignation because I want to take on new challenges.” He added, “Nothing is set in stone, but I plan to continue living in Chungju and would like to try my hand at broadcasting or YouTube activities. I realized that such new challenges wouldn’t be possible while remaining a public official.”
Kim’s candor about his future plans has fueled speculation. Some reports, including News1, have floated the possibility of Kim being recruited by a central government ministry or striking out as an independent YouTuber. For now, though, Kim seems content to take things one step at a time, using his accrued leave until February 28 before his resignation becomes official.
His colleagues and superiors have expressed both surprise and admiration. One Chungju City official described the resignation as “sudden,” reflecting the shock felt by many who had come to see Kim as indispensable to the city’s digital identity. Yet, there’s also a sense of pride in what he accomplished—transforming not just a YouTube channel, but the very image of local government communications.
Kim’s impact extends beyond metrics and viral videos. As he noted in his farewell, “The reason I was able to achieve this small success, despite my many shortcomings, was because of the support from all the subscribers.” He also thanked the citizens of Chungju and his colleagues at City Hall for their encouragement and understanding, urging viewers to “continue to love Chungju.”
For many observers, Kim’s story is emblematic of a broader shift in how public servants interact with the communities they serve. The rise of digital platforms has created new opportunities—and new expectations—for engagement, transparency, and creativity. Kim seized those opportunities with gusto, leaving a legacy that will be hard to match.
As Chungju Man bows out, the city faces the challenge of sustaining the momentum he built. Will ChungTV continue to thrive without its charismatic frontman? Only time will tell. For now, Kim Seon-tae’s journey stands as a testament to the power of authenticity, humor, and a willingness to try something different—even within the walls of city hall.
Kim’s next move remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: his seven-year run as Chungju Man has left an indelible mark on both Chungju and the wider world of public service media.