TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) legislator apologized Monday (Nov. 25) for suggesting the Chinese Taipei Baseball Association (CTBA, 中華民國棒球協會) president increase the championship bonus to NT$100 million. The remarks, intended as a gentle proposal, sparked backlash online, with accusations of emotional blackmail.
The controversy began after Jeffrey Koo Jr. (辜仲諒), the CTBA president, announced a NT$70 million reward for the Taiwan team's victory at the WBSC Premier12. Legislator Kuo Kuo-wen (郭國文) urged Koo to raise the bonus, citing CTBC Financial Holding's (中信金控) profits last year. Critics quickly labeled this coercive and questioned why Kuo did not contribute.
Kuo clarified his comments, attributing them to excitement from watching the game. He expressed admiration for Koo's contributions, particularly in managing the Black Panther Pennant National High School Baseball Tournament (黑豹旗全國高中棒球大賽).
Acknowledging the criticism, Kuo pledged to fund a live broadcast in Tainan this weekend, covering all expenses, including the big screen, stage, and public broadcasting rights. Kuo, who has served as an honorary president of community baseball for a decade, reaffirmed his commitment to promoting baseball in Taiwan. He hopes his actions will inspire others to support and enhance the sport's growth in the country.