Ko Wen-je's Wife Slams Lai Ching-te, Compares President to Disabled Rescue Dog

Chen Pei-chi, the wife of former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je, has once again taken to Facebook to voice her strong criticisms, this time targeting President Lai Ching-te and his adopted dog, 'Ban Ban.' Ko Wen-je was recently handed a 17-year prison sentence in the first instance for the Jinghua City case, a verdict his wife vehemently disputes. Her latest post draws a stark comparison, suggesting that in the eyes of Ko's detractors, he is considered less significant than Lai's three-legged rescue dog.

Chen's frustration stems from what she perceives as a lack of direct evidence in her husband's trial. She questioned the reliance on call log screenshots and lengthy interrogations about past conversations, arguing that if there were clear evidence, the case should have been decided decisively. This sentiment fuels her belief that there is a concerted effort to ensure her husband's downfall, leading her to question why someone with Ko's extensive background—a 25-year medical career, eight years as Taipei mayor, and five years as a party chairman—is being treated so harshly.

The dog 'Ban Ban' was adopted by President Lai Ching-te in June 2024 from an animal shelter in Pingtung County. Lai was moved by the dog's plight, having lost a leg due to an animal trap, and decided to adopt it after visiting the shelter. Lai has frequently shared photos and videos of 'Ban Ban' on social media, including welcoming guests like AIT Director Sandra Oudkirk, and has used the dog's story to advocate for Taiwan becoming a more animal-friendly nation.

Chen Pei-chi's comparison, while highly unconventional, reflects the intense political polarization and personal animosity that can characterize Taiwanese politics. Her public statements often serve as a proxy for her husband's political battles, highlighting the deep divisions and emotional undercurrents in high-profile legal and political disputes. The reference to 'Ban Ban,' a symbol of compassion and rescue for President Lai, is used here to underscore Chen's feeling of injustice and her husband's perceived mistreatment.