TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨) Chairman Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) was released on bail Friday (Dec. 27), expressing gratitude to supporters who stood by him, saying, "Life is not plain sailing, and I thank God for this opportunity to reflect on my life."
Ko was detained for 114 days in connection with the Core Pacific City (京華城) case and a political donations scandal. The Taipei District Court set his bail at NT$30 million earlier that day. Emerging from the court, Ko appeared relaxed but was visibly moved by the crowd of supporters waiting outside in the rain, holding signs and offering words of encouragement.
Upon returning to his Taipei residence around noon, Ko crossed a fire pit prepared by his wife, Peggy Chen (陳佩琪), as a symbolic gesture of purification and new beginnings. His wife, offering her unwavering support, accompanied him with a smile, holding his hand tightly.
Ko, maintaining his innocence, addressed the media with emotion, stating, "I believe that I'm not a person who would violate rules and take bribes." He also reflected on the challenges he faced and expressed gratitude for the chance to read extensively, even in the dim lighting of detention.