The magnificent and grand Kaohsiung anti-Ko demonstration, the largest in history with over 500,000 participants
Gathering numerous Kaohsiung citizens and people from all over Taiwan to participate in the anti-Ko demonstration
The enthusiastic crowds were so dense it resembled a New Year's Eve party
"Liberate Kaohsiung, Defend Taiwan" was the main theme of this demonstration
The spectacle of slowly advancing along Wufu Road amidst a sea of people
Eye-catching signboards reading "January 11, Go Home and Kill Fish"
A humorous statue depicting the dramatic giant bald fish mayor being dragged away for his venomous tongue (snake)
Inspiring flags reading "Taiwanese, Stand Up!" welcoming the parade procession
Citizens waving flags and shouting from apartment windows
The most touching moment

Text and photos by Chen Chi-Hsiang

Foreword: The pro- or anti-Kan demonstrations were historic parades in Kaohsiung and a prelude to this presidential election. Never before had a mayor who fled just months after taking office betrayed his duties and responsibilities without fulfilling his promises, slipping away to Dajhi to run for president. Repeatedly using the confusing slogan "Kaohsiung makes big money," he neglected municipal governance. Thus, Kaohsiung people could no longer bear it and became angry. Simultaneously, many citizens woke from a nightmare, realizing that not only was Kaohsiung deceived, but Taiwan would also be sold out. Kaohsiung residents and Taiwanese people bravely stood up to rise against Kan through action. As former Kaohsiung County Magistrate Yang Chiu-Hsing said, "Han Kuo-yu is an empty shell" is now known to every household. More seriously, he lacks character. Kaohsiung people have seen through his tricks; do they still want to continue deceiving? The Kuomintang’s nomination of a candidate with "no virtue, no ability, no talent" insults Taiwanese people. Will Kaohsiung people continue to be deceived? Will Taiwanese people continue to be deceived? (Note 1) The recall demonstration is Kaohsiung people joining hands with Taiwanese people to use action to break free from a real lie.

Proud Taiwanese People: This time, both pro- and anti-Kan demonstrations took place at the same location—Kaohsiung Liangdi. The MRT station at the train station happened to be packed on the same platform. Pro- and anti-Kan passengers rode orderly under systematic police guidance. Although they met, they did not clash, proceeding peacefully as usual, which is hard to imagine. I was honored to participate in the anti-Kan activities and personally experienced the progress and quality of Taiwan’s democratic society. Before the event, messages conveyed violent threats. Unexpectedly, crowds surged toward both gathering sites, as if the whole island’s New Year’s Eve party was held early in Takao. Participants held their ideals peacefully regardless of stance. Both sides ended safely when lights came on, marking a proud moment of positive democratic development and the qualities refined through repeated elections.

Differences in Mobilization: The pro-Kan "Southern Rise Kaohsiung Glory Parade" was mobilized through the KMT General Coordinator, forming alliances across parties. It included President Tsai Ing-wen’s Kaohsiung mayoral candidate, the