One of the hottest topics recently in South Korea has been the announcement of Chungju City official Kim Sun-tae, widely known as 'Chungju Man,' resigning from his position. Many were surprised by the news that he, who had put Chungju City on the map nationwide with his witty videos and pioneered the 'public official YouTuber' genre, would be leaving his beloved public service role. This has sparked widespread curiosity about his next steps. Beyond a simple personal resignation, it raises various questions about the future of public service and new media content. His courageous decision is expected to inspire many with new ideas and challenges.
Kim Sun-tae submitted his resignation to Chungju City on February 11th (or 12th), with his retirement confirmed by the end of February. Through the Chungju City YouTube channel 'Chung TV,' he attracted a vast number of subscribers with his creative and B-movie-esque promotional videos, presenting a successful model for local government YouTube channels. His resignation is analyzed as a result of a combination of factors, including the limitations of the public official salary structure, accumulated work fatigue, and a yearning for greater growth. Although he had previously received high-salary offers from large corporations, he had refused them out of a sense of duty to promote Chungju. Therefore, this resignation decision carries even greater significance. He is now preparing to set aside the 'Chungju Man' persona for a while and embark on an unknown new challenge.
Meanwhile, in the South Korean game industry, news about Krafton's major project, the game 'The Bird That Drinks Tears,' is trending daily. This game, based on Lee Yeong-do's masterpiece fantasy novel, is being developed under the codename 'Project Windless.' Recently, a new trailer was unveiled during Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE)'s 'State of Play' on February 13, 2026, capturing the attention of gamers worldwide. This highlights Krafton's efforts to translate the novel's vast and original world into a game. Krafton is dedicating its full efforts to 'The Bird That Drinks Tears' as its next major title following the success of 'PUBG'.
The development of 'The Bird That Drinks Tears' game is being spearheaded by the Krafton Montreal studio, in collaboration with the Krafton team in Pangyo. The released trailer showcased magnificent continental landscapes and thrilling battle scenes set approximately 1,500 years before the original novel's timeline. Particularly impressive was the scene of the giant bird-like Rekkon tribal hero king dominating the battlefield with dual swords. The open world, a fusion of Eastern and Western aesthetics, and mystical beings like the 'Sky Fish' that swim through the sky are stimulating the imagination of novel fans and heightening expectations for the game. Using Mass Technology, the developers plan to realize large-scale battlefields where thousands of warriors and colossal creatures clash in real-time. The game is slated for release on console and PC platforms.
The news of 'Chungju Man' Kim Sun-tae's resignation and the development of the game 'The Bird That Drinks Tears' are causing significant ripples in their respective fields. While the specifics of what new challenges Kim Sun-tae will undertake after leaving public service are not yet fully known, his creative planning skills and ability to connect with the public are expected to shine in any field. Meanwhile, 'The Bird That Drinks Tears' is Krafton's key project to showcase Korean fantasy content to the global market, and expectations for its successful development and release are very high. These two pieces of news can be seen as symbolic examples of the spirit of our times, which embraces change and innovation without fear.
'Chungju Man' Kim Sun-tae's new challenge and the development of the game 'The Bird That Drinks Tears' are processes of exploring new possibilities in their respective domains. Mr. Kim's courageous choice can inspire many office workers and serve as an opportunity to discover their own potential. Furthermore, 'The Bird That Drinks Tears' will be a crucial opportunity to demonstrate the global competitiveness of Korean content. The continuous challenges and innovations unfolding in various fields are the driving force that makes our society richer and more dynamic. We offer our warm interest and support for their future endeavors. If you're curious about Chungju Man's next story, check out his social media. For more detailed information about the game 'The Bird That Drinks Tears,' refer to Krafton's official channels. Krafton Official Website
Q1: Why did 'Chungju Man' Kim Sun-tae resign?
A1: It is reported that Kim Sun-tae decided to resign due to a combination of factors, including the limitations of the public official salary structure, accumulated work fatigue, and personal aspirations for greater growth.
Q2: Is the rumor that 'Chungju Man' is participating in the development of 'The Bird That Drinks Tears' game true?
A2: As of now, there has been no official announcement or credible information confirming that 'Chungju Man' Kim Sun-tae is participating in Krafton's 'The Bird That Drinks Tears' game development. His next move has not yet been revealed.
Q3: When will 'The Bird That Drinks Tears' game be released?
A3: The specific release date for 'The Bird That Drinks Tears' (Project Windless) game has not yet been announced. Development is ongoing, and it is scheduled for release on console and PC platforms.
Q4: What genre is 'The Bird That Drinks Tears' game?
A4: 'The Bird That Drinks Tears' is being developed as a AAA action game based on Lee Yeong-do's fantasy novel. It features a grand open world and large-scale combat.
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