Online posts have highlighted a wave of promotional comments tied to the launch of a personal YouTube channel by Kim Seon-tae, known as “ChungjuMan” for running the official YouTube channel of Chungju city in North Chungcheong province.
On March 5, multiple online communities circulated posts pointing to comments that appeared to show companies and public institutions boosting the new channel.
The posts listed comments from more than 50 companies, including Kyobo Life Insurance, Kia, Lotte Wellfood, Binggrae, Samsung SDS, Samil Pharmaceutical, Speak and YouTube Korea. They also cited participation from more than 20 institutions, including the National Agricultural Museum, the National Institute of Ecology, the National Health Insurance Service, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and the Republic of Korea Army.
In the comments, some wrote, “You said you want to make money, so we came. We’re here to plant a money tree to celebrate your YouTube opening,” and “Looks like there will be a long line of advertisers — should we line up on CatchTable?” Others added, “We heard you want to make money. We’re ready,” “We’ll make sure there are no tax issues all the way to the Blue House,” and “We’ll get in line first. Can we send a transfer?”
Kim previously addressed his plans in a video posted March 3 titled “I’m Kim Seon-tae,” saying he “wanted to make more money.” His channel drew attention after surpassing 900,000 subscribers within three days of opening, and many companies have been sending advertising inquiries, according to the report.
Some commenters reacting to the posts speculated about potential ad revenue, writing, “How much would the ad fees be if he takes all of that?” and “If you assume 20 to 30 million won per deal, just filming those would come to about 2 billion won in ad pay.” Others wrote, “Even just leaving a comment becomes viral in communities,” and “He quit being a public official to make money — the path is already laid out from the first try.”
A separate post on Blind, an anonymous workplace community, showed criticism of Kim’s move.
On March 5, a public official posted under the title “Chungju’s Kim Seon-tae is kind of cold,” arguing, “If you’re making a new promotional YouTube, you should bring the people from the same team with you.”
The writer added, “With 800,000 subscribers, it becomes a company, and you need staff,” and said that because they were on the same team and appeared in videos together, “there’s some bond, but he’s going out alone.”
Another public official responded, “There are a lot of gloomy public officials. They have no ability, but they’re the best at criticizing others.”
Kim earned the nickname “ChungjuMan” while handling production and operations for Chungju’s promotional YouTube content, the report said.
It also said he submitted a resignation letter to the personnel department on the 13th and then began a long leave.
At the time, Kim said, “After 10 years in public service and seven years living as ChungjuMan, I’m now going to say goodbye.” He added, “The fact that someone as lacking as me was lucky enough to succeed was thanks to subscribers’ support.”
He also said, “I want to thank the citizens of Chungju who supported me and my colleagues at Chungju City Hall who always showed consideration. The seven years I spent with you were the happiest time of my life. I hope you will continue to love Chungju.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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