Real-life redemption inspires Taiwan rapper’s song about Tainan seafood restaurant owner

YoungLee, the champion of Taiwan’s rap competition “The Rapper,” has turned the redemption story of a Tainan seafood restaurant owner into a song for his new album, “Beautiful and Glorious Ou Kuang-jung.”

Ou Kuang-jung previously used drugs, gambled and served time in prison. After his release, he decided to change his life because he did not want to hurt his mother. He later opened a seafood restaurant and began long-term charity work, distributing more than 100,000 meal boxes since 2014.

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It’s okay to make mistakes in life.

YoungLee said he was fortunate to meet Ou, whom he regards as a mentor. After winning the competition, YoungLee felt that the title had become a burden and was unsure where to go next. Meeting Ou in Tainan helped him regain his direction through another person’s life experience.

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If you have time, come distribute meal boxes with me.

Ou once invited him to join the meal-box distribution when he had time. YoungLee said the experience taught him that life does not require constant proof that one has done nothing wrong. What matters, he said, is whether a person is willing to turn back after making mistakes. He also came to believe that some beauty can emerge only from regret.

The album’s title track, “Beautiful,” features urban singer-songwriter aDAN Hsieh Yi-dan, who has received nominations for the Golden Melody and Golden Indie Music awards. She described YoungLee as quiet but emotionally rich.

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Some beauty can be born only from regret.