Ko Wen-je, a significant figure in Taiwanese politics and former presidential candidate, was indicted on corruption charges on Thursday. The 65-year-old has been accused of accepting approximately $500,000 in bribes related to real estate transactions during his tenure as Taipei’s mayor, alongside allegations of misreporting campaign finances from his presidential run in January. Prosecutors are pursuing a sentence of up to 28.5 years in prison.
This indictment represents a major setback for the political movement Ko champions, appealing to voters seeking alternatives to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT). Ko has publicly denied the corruption claims and was arrested in September, where he has remained in detention.
Prosecutors announced that Ko is one of 11 individuals facing prosecution, with several members of his Taiwan People’s Party also charged with financial misconduct related to political donations. In the recent presidential election, Ko emerged as a strong contender, securing over 25% of the vote, closely trailing behind DPP’s Lai Ching-te, who garnered 40%. Analysts noted that despite finishing third, Ko’s performance underscored a growing public appetite for diversified political representation beyond the traditional two-party system.
Initially gaining recognition as a third-party candidate, Ko criticized the DPP for exacerbating tensions with Beijing while accusing the KMT of excessive accommodation. His rise to political prominence began with his support for the 2014 anti-Beijing Sunflower Movement, leading to his election as Taipei’s mayor as an independent.
Although he won a second term in 2018, his political stance seemed to evolve, with a notable expansion of Taipei’s ties to mainland China. Known for his unconventional approach, Ko has often attracted controversy through his outspoken rhetoric and unique campaign strategies. Despite not winning in the presidential election, he has expressed intentions to continue his political journey, with aspirations for the presidency in 2028, though the recent indictments may challenge his party’s recovery.
Ko’s arrest has sparked protests among his supporters, who allege that the DPP is leveraging these charges to stifle opposition voices.
