Yangju City Official’s Viral YouTube Shorts Challenge Popularity of ‘Chungju Man’
YANGJU, SOUTH KOREA – Jeong Gyu-woon, head of the public relations policy team at Yangju City Hall, has become a social media sensation with his parody YouTube shorts, amassing over 1.2 million views and sparking a pleasant rivalry with Kim Seon-tae,known online as ”Chungju Man.” Jeong’s videos, featuring him in character as “Jinju-mugwan” (Jinju + Jumugwan), have quickly gained traction, prompting discussion about innovative approaches to local government promotion.
The unexpected online success highlights a growing trend of public officials leveraging social media to connect with citizens and boost regional visibility. while “Chungju Man” gained fame for his self-deprecating humor and relatable persona, Jeong is responding with character-driven content and a commitment to ongoing growth of his online presence. This playful competition is drawing attention to both Yangju City and Chungju city, demonstrating the potential of viral marketing for local governance.
Jeong’s character, “Jinju-mugwan,” is frequently enough depicted wearing a meriyas and a pearl necklace, serving as a secondary character in his short-form videos. The popularity of both Jeong and Kim has led to comparisons, with some suggesting Jeong is a rival to civil servants in Chungju City due to their shared ability to attract public attention.
Responding to the comparison, Jeong acknowledged Kim’s established appeal, stating, “He (Chungju Man) has a good sense of humor and has accumulated somthing over the years, so it is challenging to compare him to me, who brings ideas and appears on projects planned by the team.” Though,he affirmed his dedication to promoting Yangju City,adding,”If there is something I can do to promote Yangju,I will happily try to the best of my abilities.”
Looking ahead, Jeong plans to introduce new sub-characters, including a trot singer and a rocker, to maintain viewer engagement. He emphasized the importance of physical stamina for continued content creation, stating his intention to prioritize healthy eating, such as consuming more samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), and regular gym visits.
