'Kim Seontae, a YouTuber with 1 million subscribers, participated in a promotional video for the Yeosu World Islands Expo that spread into an unexpected controversy, but undeterred, Kim Seontae said he intends to continue commercial promotional activities.
Recently, a video titled "Yeosu promotion" was posted on Kim Seontae's channel; the video is a paid advertising content produced in collaboration with Jeollanam-do and contains an introduction to the "2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo."
But immediately after the video was released, online reactions poured in saying, "It's not promotion but more like a whistleblower." Because the inadequate aspects of the event preparation site were shown without filtration, it rather heightened concerns about the expo's preparation status. In the video, Kim Seontae bluntly pointed out the condition of the promotional vehicle, saying, "They didn't give me a good vehicle," and upon arriving at the main venue he appeared flustered when he saw a site that looked like an early-stage construction wasteland.
The controversy spread further as scenes that appeared to show lack of preparation were included, such as islands that were difficult to access because there was no pier and discarded fishing gear left on site. In particular, concern grew when images showing foundational construction in progress were released with only about five months left until the expo. Eventually, Jeollanam-do posted an official comment saying, "It may look lacking, but we will prepare thoroughly and show results," and Yeosu City also explained that "things are proceeding normally according to the planned schedule."
Meanwhile, on the 10th Kim Seontae posted a video titled "gold button promotion" on his YouTube channel and shared an update after the controversy. In the video he appears wearing the gold button around his neck and expressed joy, saying, "You wouldn't know this weight; it's hard to receive," and joked, "Who am I? The owner of the gold button."
He then signaled that he was not mindful of the controversy and revealed the path he will take. Kim Seontae said, "I will continue to attempt various promotions," and added, "From next week I will return to commercial advertising," attracting attention.
Previously he had also announced plans to open a promotion-focused channel and pledged to donate part of future YouTube revenue. Kim Seontae, who reached 1 million subscribers just three days after launching the YouTube channel, explained, "After deducting expenses, I will split future revenue 70-30 and donate the 30," and said, "I plan to regularly collect and create donation content." He added, "Because I grew thanks to taxes, I think it's time to give back," and said, "I will always produce content with a humble attitude."
Amid unexpected controversy over the Yeosu promotion video, Kim Seontae said he will continue commercial promotional activities, drawing even more attention to his future moves.
Meanwhile, Assistant Deputy Director Kim Seontae operated Chungju's official YouTube channel 'ChungTV' and gained much attention and affection under the name 'Chungju Man.' He led the New Media Team under the Director for Public Relations at Chungju City Hall and gained popularity by producing parody videos. The channel recorded up to 970,000 subscribers, and recognizing his achievements, he was promoted to grade 6 at the end of 2023 after seven years in appointment.
During that time, last month he suddenly submitted his resignation after nine years as a civil servant and left Chungju City Hall, becoming free. He has been attracting attention recently by choosing a creator's life after opening a personal channel.
[Photo] screenshot of a 'YouTube' broadcast
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