How Kim Seon-tae’s YouTube Channel Gained 1.48 Million Subscribers: Insights and Revenue Challenges
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| Photo: YouTube / Kim Seon-tae |
[Sports Today reporter Kim Tae-hyung] Former administrative officer Kim Seon-tae, who rose to fame as “Chungju Man” on Chungju City’s YouTube channel, discussed earnings from his personal channel.
On March 17, Kim uploaded a video titled “Neighborhood Promo” to his channel, Kim Seon-tae.
He began by promoting the neighborhood where his office is located. While walking the streets, he said he gets so many emails that he can’t read them all. “I replied to some, but others I haven’t read yet,” he said. Collaboration requests, he added, have been pouring in: “I read and replied to 50 emails over two hours. I thought knocking out 50 out of 700 would speed things up, but when I refresh the inbox the count jumps back up to 80.”
He stressed that while emails are important, the content comes first. “I could make promotional videos, but I can’t make the channel only ads,” he said.
Kim also conducted impromptu interviews with residents. One person suggested installing streetlights on a downhill road; Kim replied that he no longer holds public office and doesn’t have the authority, but the city might see the video and act. He explained the city’s perspective: nearby residents oppose streetlights because light near their windows can disrupt sleep.
An elderly man recognized Kim and asked, “Why did you quit the city job?” He also joked bluntly, “Aren’t you off to the Blue House (the presidential office) — I heard they’re calling you.” Kim, momentarily taken aback, replied, “I’m out here promoting the area now. Is there anything you’d like promoted?” The man answered no.
Kim smiled and said he hadn’t realized he had that kind of name recognition among older residents.
Near the end of the video, he updated viewers on his YouTube monetization application. Joking that the videos aren’t making money yet, he said he hasn’t been approved for monetization. Subscriber increases don’t register immediately, and the application and review process takes a long time.
Meanwhile, the Kim Seon-tae channel currently has 1.48 million subscribers and its videos have racked up more than 2 million views.
[Sports Today reporter Kim Tae-hyung ent@stoo.com]
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