A document that appears to be an advertising rate sheet for former official Kim Seon-tae, known as “Chungju Man,” has surfaced online and sparked a widespread reaction.
On the 10th, a “Kim Seon-tae YouTube channel briefing” circulated across social media.
The sheet lists collaboration fees for his channel that go as high as 100 million KRW (about $67,000). It also states 80 million KRW (about $53,600) for branded content, 50 million KRW (about $33,500) for exclusive Shorts, and 30 million KRW (about $20,100) for simple product placement (PPL).
The document notes these rates apply to contracts signed within one month and warns prices could change depending on the timing of future deals or shifts in subscriber counts.
His YouTube channel is growing rapidly and is nearing 1.4 million subscribers. Many major South Korean companies, government agencies, and local governments have approached him with partnership offers.
SK Hynix marked the milestone with a playful pun congratulating his subscriber count, while HD Hyundai Heavy Industries drew attention by using the meme, “Bro, no time to explain. Get on the ship.”
The National Marine Biodiversity Institute offered a tongue-in-cheek collaboration, saying, “We’ll handle promotion under the sea; Mr. Seon-tae, you take care of publicity on land.”
In a video posted on the 7th, Kim said he had received roughly 700 advertising inquiry emails and expressed surprise. He added that he plans to launch a dedicated promotional channel to highlight people, products, public-interest activities, companies, and other areas.
Reporter Kim Jung-woo enyou@hankyung.com
