Presidential Office Concert Rehearsal in Kaohsiung; Chen Ming-chang: Democracy is the Most Precious Thing

(Central News Agency reporter Lin Chiao-lien, Kaohsiung 7th) The Presidential Office Concert will take place on May 23rd at Pingtung County Stadium. Musicians Chen Ming-chang, Wu Yong-ji, and Cao Ya-wen gathered today in Kaohsiung's Pier-2 Art Center for a rehearsal. Chen Ming-chang said that freedom, democracy, and human rights are the most precious things in life, and Taiwan's 30 years of direct presidential elections should continue.

Chen Ming-chang, Wu Yong-ji, and Cao Ya-wen rehearsed "Island's Dawn" with the Fengtian Elementary School Choir today. After the rehearsal, the three were interviewed by the media. Chen Ming-chang said, "Freedom is too important." Everyone should cherish the freedom, democracy, and human rights of this land and pass on such beauty.

Recalling the 30th anniversary of direct presidential elections, Wu Yong-ji, lead singer of The Chairman band, laughed and said he remembered his first vote was during his military service, when they had a voting holiday. "I remember at that time, the officers even designated who everyone should vote for when they went back to vote."

Wu Yong-ji stated that The Chairman band's first released single was "Gods Protect Taiwan," which was also a critique of the government at the time. If it were during martial law, they would have been arrested. For young people today, democracy and freedom are innate, but they might not cherish them as much. Looking back at the era of struggle after authoritarian rule, "Freedom is truly the goal you want to pursue your whole life."

Cao Ya-wen said that although she did not experience the authoritarian era, she has traveled to many countries and seen that many people cannot enjoy the right to vote. Being able to vote independently in Taiwan is so natural, but for many people in other countries, it is very difficult. She hopes that this happiness in Taiwan can continue.

The 2026 Presidential Office Concert, co-hosted by the Presidential Office and the General Association of Chinese Culture, will begin at 7 PM on May 23rd at Pingtung County Stadium.

The General Association of Chinese Culture stated that, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of Taiwan's direct presidential elections, this year's theme is "Democratic Taiwan, Warm Songs of the South Wind." It will unfold through five main axes: "Island Echoes," "Freedom Blossoms," "Confident Leadership," "Hand in Hand," and "Guarding Taiwan," connecting the development axis of Taiwan's democratic spirit, reconnecting people, land, and historical memories, and outlining the cultural landscape of this land. (Editor: Chen Ching-fang) 1150507

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