71-year-old Jiang Hou-ren responds to Tian Lu-lu's call, reveals 20-year regret

Veteran actor Tian Lu-lu has publicly criticized the current leadership of the Actors' Guild, accusing them of neglecting senior artists. She specifically called out the current chairperson, Cao Yu-ting, and urged the guild's founder, Jiang Hou-ren, to step forward. Tian's remarks came after controversy arose regarding the care of elderly artists living alone in Taichung.

In response to Tian's call to action, Jiang Hou-ren, a prominent actor from the past, shared a series of cherished old photographs on Facebook. These images depicted him visiting patients and colleagues during his active years. In a lengthy post, Jiang addressed Tian's criticisms and his own legacy with the guild. He acknowledged that the entertainment industry is inherently a "high-risk profession," comparing it to stock market investments where success can bring great rewards but failure can lead to destitution.

Jiang emphasized that his primary motivation for founding the Actors' Guild was to "protect work rights" and "care for impoverished and ill artists." He drew a parallel to international systems like the NBA's, which provide comprehensive welfare and insurance, with higher earners supporting those with lower incomes. Jiang revealed a past initiative, the "1% donation" system, which he had envisioned to collect a small percentage of income from members to collectively support colleagues through life's challenges, including illness and death.

However, Jiang expressed deep regret that this plan was never fully realized. He explained that his term as chairperson ended before the system could be established, preventing it from becoming a formal support mechanism for colleagues in need. "This is a very regrettable matter!" he stated, conveying his heartfelt sorrow over not being able to assist his fellow artists. While acknowledging the public's desire for his return to the entertainment scene, Jiang firmly stated, "That was more than twenty years ago! I have no such thoughts now." He reiterated his unwavering belief in the guild's core mission: "The guild should take care of its members' work and welfare, that was the purpose of my founding it!" he declared, underscoring his enduring commitment to the guild's original principles and his profound concern for his former colleagues.