Former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je secured his release by posting NT$70 million bail. He spent a year in incommunicado detention, facing multiple corruption allegations. His wife, Chen Pei-chi, delivered the final portion of the bail, allowing the Taipei District Court to confirm the payment and release him. Ko Wen-je freed himself while complying with court conditions and remained composed during the process.
After leaving the detention center, Ko walked into the courthouse, where officials attached an electronic ankle monitor. He changed into a clean set of clothes provided by his wife, marking the start of his return to daily life. Then, he drove to his mother’s home in Hsinchu. There, he performed rituals, including stepping over a charcoal fire and breaking a tile to ward off bad luck, demonstrating his cultural traditions.
The court restricted Ko’s movements to his Taipei residence for eight months. However, he can leave the house during the day freely. Each evening, he must upload a selfie from home between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. using a court-assigned phone. The court also forbade him from traveling abroad or by sea and prohibited him from contacting co-defendants or witnesses. These measures ensure he follows the rules while maintaining daily freedom.
Ko faces several corruption charges. Prosecutors accuse him of embezzling political donations during his 2024 presidential campaign and misconduct linked to the Core Pacific City development. They seek a total sentence of 28 years and six months. Ko denies wrongdoing and plans to contest all charges.
Earlier, Taipei City Councilor Ying Hsiao-wei posted NT$30 million bail in the same case. Ko Wen-je freed himself as the last defendant released in the Core Pacific City investigation. His release captured nationwide attention and sparked discussions about political accountability and judicial fairness.
As Ko resumes limited public life, observers note that his rituals and legal proceedings highlight Taiwan’s blend of culture, politics, and law. Analysts expect his next court appearances to influence public perception and the outcomes of his legal battles.
