Ko Wen-je, a former rising figure in Taiwanese politics and presidential candidate, was indicted on corruption charges on Thursday. The 65-year-old is accused of accepting bribes worth half a million dollars related to a real estate deal during his tenure as Taipei’s mayor. He is also accused of misreporting campaign finances during his presidential bid in January. Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of up to 28.5 years.
This indictment represents a significant setback for Ko’s political movement, which had gained popularity among voters seeking an alternative to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party and the main opposition, the Kuomintang.
Ko, who denies the corruption charges, was arrested in September and held in custody. Prosecutors revealed that he was one of 11 individuals facing prosecution, with several members of his Taiwan People Party also charged with misusing political donations.
Although Ko finished third in the January presidential election, securing over 25% of the vote, his strong performance highlighted voter demand for a broader political landscape beyond the two dominant parties.
Ko Wen-je gained prominence by positioning himself as a third-party option, critical of both the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the opposition Kuomintang (KMT). He criticized the DPP for escalating tensions with Beijing, which views Taiwan as part of its territory, while accusing the KMT of being too accommodating toward China.
Ko first rose to national attention when he supported protesters during the 2014 anti-Beijing Sunflower Movement. He was elected Taipei mayor as an independent in 2014 and secured a second term in 2018. However, during his second term, his political stance shifted, and he expanded Taipei’s ties with mainland China.
Known for his unconventional approach to politics, Ko has often sparked controversy with his bold statements and eccentric campaign tactics. He was dubbed a “gaffe machine” and even appeared in a rap video during his 2018 re-election campaign.
After his loss in the presidential race, Ko vowed to continue his political journey, with plans to run again in 2028. However, it remains uncertain whether his party can recover from the legal troubles it is currently facing.
Ko’s arrest has sparked protests from his supporters, who claim the DPP is using the charges to target its political rivals.