TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Former Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨), Taiwan's third-largest political party, chairman Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) made an unexpected visit Wednesday (Sept. 10) morning to honor his late father despite family objections. Ko arrived at Horngyuan Tachien temple (宏願大千世界) in Taoyuan City around 9:55 a.m. to pay respects at his father's memorial tablet. The visit proceeded despite his mother's announcement Tuesday (Sept. 9) night canceling the memorial due to inauspicious lunar calendar timing.
The temple's abbot, Master Ben Cang (本藏法師), personally greeted Ko at the entrance with a heartfelt embrace. Ko explained to reporters that his father's memorial tablet had been placed at the temple, confirming the personal nature of his visit. Sources indicate that Ko and Master Ben Cang have maintained a relationship for some time, with Ko having visited the temple during his recent presidential campaign.
Ko has previously praised the temple for subverting expectations of traditional religious architecture, describing it as resembling an art museum to visitors. The former Taipei mayor's visit carried additional significance given family tensions over timing. Ko's mother had announced Tuesday (Sept. 9) night that the memorial visit would be canceled, citing inauspicious lunar calendar timing, yet Ko proceeded independently with his plans to honor his father's memory. ◼