Kim Seon-tae, an Assistant Deputy Director who built nationwide recognition as the "Chungju man," has wrapped up about nine years of public service and announced a new start. Attention is focused on his steps after resigning.
Kim Seon-tae said in a phone call with OSEN on the 13th, "It is true that I resigned," and "I am currently using up my vacation and calmly considering my direction afterward," he said. He added, "The specifics of my whereabouts probably won't take shape until early March. It is true that there have been talks with entertainment agencies, but nothing has been decided yet," expressing a cautious stance.
He clearly drew a line on the speculation about entering politics raised by some. He dismissed it, saying, "I have nothing to do with politics," and "I have never considered that direction." Regarding the use of the name "Chungju man," he added, "Putting legal issues aside, I am considering that it would be proper not to use it morally after leaving public office."
That day Kim Seon-tae posted a video titled "final greeting" on Chungju city's official YouTube channel to say farewell. He said, "I entered public service 10 years ago, and after living as the Chungju man for seven years, I give my farewell," and expressed gratitude, saying, "Any small successes I achieved were all thanks to the support of subscribers." He bowed his head and added, "I thank the citizens of Chungju who cheered me on and my colleagues at Chungju city hall who always showed consideration."
He also gave a final greeting, saying, "The seven years I spent with you were the happiest time of my life," and "Please continue to love Chungju a lot. I have been Chungju man until now."
Kim Seon-tae, a public official affiliated with Chungju city hall, ran official social media and a YouTube channel and earned the nickname "Chungju man." He was credited with creating a new model for local government content through parody and witty promotion, leading a boom in public institution YouTube channels nationwide. Recognizing these achievements, he was promoted from level 9 to level 6 about seven years after his appointment and served as head of the new media team.
Interest is growing in what choice Kim Seon-tae will make after leaving public office and what new path he will open when his next steps are revealed after early March.
[Photo] OSEN DB, video capture
[OSEN]