TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Former Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨) Chairman Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) attended his father's farewell ceremony in Hsinchu (新竹) on Monday (March 10). Reflecting on his absence during his father's final moments, Ko expressed deep regret, attributing it to his detention last August.
During the ceremony, Ko emotionally recounted his father's sacrifices, noting that Ko Cheng-fa (柯承發) dedicated his salary to support his siblings' education, forgoing his dream of becoming a doctor. Ko recalled his father's steadfast support, always waiting for him during long hospital hours, lamenting that he was imprisoned when he learned of his father's passing.
Ko Cheng-fa endured life during Taiwan's White Terror era. Ko shared the poignant memory of his father returning home in tears after attending annual Feb. 28 memorials, marking the lifting of martial law as a bittersweet day.
Reminiscing about the beginning of his political career, Ko revealed that in 2013, his father urged him to continue his medical career instead of running for Taipei mayor, fearing political risks. Ko's father endured a six-month illness at the age of 94. Ko conveyed sorrow over missing his father's final moments, acknowledging how his choices impacted their relationship.
On Monday (March 10), authorities at the Taipei Detention Center (台北看守所) granted Ko permission to attend the funeral in Hsinchu City.