Actor Wu Kang-jen Silent on PTS Budget Cuts, Netizens Question Allegiance to China Market

Actor Wu Kang-jen's silence on the proposed budget cuts for Taiwan's Public Television Service (PTS) has ignited a firestorm of online criticism. Wu, a prominent figure who has starred in six major PTS productions, including acclaimed dramas like "Wake Up" and "The World Between Us," has yet to publicly join the chorus of celebrities advocating for the broadcaster's funding.

His extensive work with PTS has cemented his popularity and reputation in Taiwan. However, as the debate over PTS's NT$1.02 billion budget cut proposal intensifies, many of his peers, such as Ke Jiayan and Lian Yu-han, have voiced their support for the public broadcaster. Wu's conspicuous absence from this public stance has not gone unnoticed.

Adding fuel to the online discussion is Wu's recent move to join Chinese agency "Yixin Entertainment" in 2024, signaling a growing focus on the mainland Chinese market. This has led to pointed questions from netizens, with some commenting, "He starred in so many PTS works before, why is he silent now?" Others have speculated, "Is he only concerned about CCTV now?" and "He built his representative works with PTS, but now he won't take a stand."

As of now, Wu Kang-jen has not issued any public statement regarding the PTS budget controversy or the online discussions surrounding his silence.