A public employee's social media channel, 'Bonghwa County Bongsung Monkey,' which gained attention for its creative promotion of local tourism and agricultural products, has abruptly ceased operations, leaving online users disappointed.
On August 19, the Instagram channel 'Bonghwa County Bongsung Monkey' posted a notice announcing its suspension. The channel's operator, Kim Su-seong, stated, "Due to internal circumstances, we inform you that the operation of the 'Bonghwa County Bongsung Monkey' channel has been suspended. Future news about Bonghwa County will be available through the official county promotion Instagram. We appreciate your continued interest in Bonghwa County."
The channel had been well-received for its unique and friendly approach to showcasing local attractions and products. Recently, Kim gained national attention by personally funding an advertisement for 'Bonghwa apples' displayed on a digital billboard in New York's Times Square.
As a public employee actively engaging in local promotion, Kim's creative content sparked excitement online, with many anticipating the emergence of a 'second Chungju man,' a reference to a popular local figure known for similar promotional efforts.
However, the sudden announcement of the channel's suspension has led to speculation among netizens about the reasons behind it. Many expressed their disappointment, with comments such as, "I was rooting for the second Chungju man, so this is really unfortunate," and "Why would they suddenly stop a channel that was doing so well?"
Some users raised questions about the lack of detailed information regarding the suspension, suggesting that internal issues or negative complaints may have influenced the decision. Comments included, "I suspect someone filed a malicious complaint," and "Given the conservative nature of the public service, there might have been jealousy or disapproval of his unconventional actions. It seems like someone is trying to undermine his efforts."
Despite the lack of official confirmation regarding the reasons for the suspension, there are voices urging caution against jumping to conclusions. Some speculate that the suspension could be due to the pressures arising from the adjustment of roles between the official account and the personal channel. As the community mourns the loss of this engaging communication platform, the disappointment is likely to linger for some time.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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