Ko Wen-je, a former Taipei mayor and prominent political figure in Taiwan, is facing serious corruption charges that have raised questions about the nation's governance, judicial independence, and political accountability. Ko, who led the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) and was a contender in the January 2024 presidential elections, is accused of bribery and misuse of political funds during his tenure as Taipei's mayor from 2014 to 2022. According to the indictment, Ko allegedly accepted bribes totaling NT$17.1 million (approximately US$550,000) in connection with a redevelopment project spearheaded by the Core Pacific City group.

Prosecutors claim that in exchange for these bribes, Ko facilitated regulatory advantages for the developers, allowing them to increase their property's floor area ratio (FAR) from 560% to 840%. This adjustment significantly boosted the profitability of the redevelopment project, raising concerns about undue influence in urban planning processes under Ko’s administration. The allegations extend beyond bribery. Ko and his party members are accused of embezzling over NT$68 million (approximately US$2.2 million) in political donations during his presidential campaign. While Ko garnered an impressive 25% of the vote, marking a strong showing for a smaller opposition party, the scandal has cast a shadow over his campaign’s achievements and the future of the TPP.

If convicted, prosecutors are recommending a prison sentence exceeding 28 years. Ko has denied all allegations, framing the charges as politically motivated and baseless. His party, the TPP, has also described the accusations as an example of political persecution, suggesting that the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is using legal mechanisms to undermine opposition forces. Ko’s legal team has criticized the case for relying heavily on circumstantial evidence rather than direct proof, adding fuel to the public debate about the motivations behind these charges.

The TPP, which Ko founded in 2019 as an alternative to Taiwan’s dominant two-party system, has been significantly affected by the scandal. Despite holding eight seats in the legislature and positioning itself as a critical player in Taiwan’s political landscape, the party’s reputation has suffered. In August 2024, Ko announced a temporary leave from his role as party chairman to focus on addressing the charges, a move seen by many as a necessary step to manage the political fallout. Beyond its implications for Ko and the TPP, the case has reignited broader debates about judicial impartiality and the politicization of Taiwan’s legal system. Critics argue that the charges may serve as a tool for the DPP to neutralize a growing political threat, particularly given the TPP’s legislative efforts to challenge the ruling party’s policies. Supporters of Ko see the indictment as a reflection of systemic issues in how political opponents are handled in Taiwan’s democracy.