TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwanese actor Wu Kang-ren, who clinched the best leading actor award at the 60th Golden Horse Awards on Nov. 25, made a surprise appearance at the Taipei District Court on Thursday (Dec. 7) to attend the trial of a man surnamed Chung, who is accused of killing his father with a dumbbell.
Despite wearing a mask, Wu's presence caused a stir among the crowd as the actor, soaring in popularity since his win, was recognized by those present. When asked by the media about his reasons for attending the hearing, Wu said little, only mentioning, "I cannot say much".
The case, which has attracted significant attention, involves a dispute over the purchase of a boxed meal that led to Chung allegedly striking his father on the head with a dumbbell, resulting in his death on the afternoon of Jan. 18 on Ankang Rd. in Xindian District.
The Taipei District Prosecutors Office filed charges in May for the killing of a blood relative. Considering Chung's mental illness and lack of impulse control, along with a weak family support system, the court ordered him to be temporarily placed for six months.
The day prior to the trial, the court began selecting citizen judges in a process that whittled down 96 candidates to 43 attendees. Six citizen judges and four alternates were chosen through a process involving judicial, prosecutorial, and defense parties, concluding with an oath and pre-trial instructions.