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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Culture & Society

Author Huang Shan-liao embroiled in controversy over past remarks

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Taiwanese author Huang Shan-liao is facing renewed criticism over his past controversial statements.
  • Criticisms focus on his views on money, depression, and domestic violence, which have been labeled "toxic chicken soup."
  • A YouTuber analyzed past remarks, including claims about wealth disparity and a controversial statement on domestic violence, reigniting debate.

Taiwanese author Huang Shan-liao, known for topping bestseller lists, is once again at the center of a public controversy. A recent video by YouTuber Duomi Duoluo criticized his work as superficial, sparking a widespread online debate about literary quality.

If someone always abuses you, and you can always resist, then he is the right person for you.

— Huang Shan-liaoHuang Shan-liao's controversial statement made at a book signing in Kuala Lumpur.

In response, the YouTube channel "Strange Files" host DK delved into Huang's past public statements, highlighting three major controversies that have fueled the "toxic chicken soup" debate. These include his comments on financial perspectives, depression, and domestic violence.

Although I have said before I will disclose it, it's a legal document, and as the prime minister in a responsible government, I cannot do it.

— Huang Shan-liaoHuang Shan-liao's statement regarding his past comments on domestic violence, claiming he was ill and fatigued.

One notable past incident occurred in 2020 when Huang posted that individuals earning NT$250,000 a month and those earning NT$30,000 had the same worries, citing examples like discarding half-eaten fries. This was criticized as out of touch and similar to older online posts. In 2021, he stated that severely depressed individuals do not announce their struggles but disappear, a comment that drew sharp criticism from mental health professionals and the public for potentially misinforming those seeking help.

Truly depressed people at the bottom will not say they are depressed, they will disappear directly from the world.

— Huang Shan-liaoHuang Shan-liao's controversial statement about depression made in 2021.

The most damaging controversy stemmed from a statement made at a book signing in Kuala Lumpur. Huang reportedly said, "If someone always abuses you, and you can always resist, then he is the right person for you." This remark ignited widespread outrage, with critics accusing him of distorting values and misleading fans. Huang later claimed the video was maliciously edited and taken out of context, attributing his words to extreme fatigue from consecutive book signings while suffering from a high fever. However, "Strange Files" released full video footage from the event, which appeared to confirm his original statement, contradicting his defense.

People earning 250,000 a month and 30,000 have the same worries.

— Huang Shan-liaoHuang Shan-liao's controversial statement about financial disparity made in 2020.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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