Only 3 Air Tickets Subsidized for 25-Person International Performance! Wu Hsing-kuo's Wife Blasts Ministry of Culture: 'If This Happens to a Presidential Medal Winner, What About Others?'

During the recent review of the central government's budget by the Legislative Yuan's Education and Culture Committee, fierce debates erupted between ruling and opposition parties over the Ministry of Culture's 2026 budget, resulting in a freeze of NT$8 million out of NT$47.38 million in publicity funds. The Ministry must submit a written report and obtain committee approval before releasing the funds. Recently, Lin Hsiu-wei, Administrative Director of the Contemporary Legend Theatre, posted on Facebook on the 29th, posing three questions to the Director-General of the Ministry of Culture's Department of International Affairs: 'Why are you ignoring us?' Despite Wu Hsing-kuo—recipient of both the Presidential Jingxing Medal and the National Cultural Arts Award—being invited to perform at the World Shakespeare Congress anniversary celebration, the Ministry is only willing to subsidize three economy-class air tickets. In a follow-up post, Lin emphasized that cultural exchange is not solely about budget or sponsorship. The 'three questions' were meant as a reminder, hoping the Ministry would leverage Wu Hsing-kuo's long-established international reputation to enhance Taiwan's cultural image.

Lin noted that due to Taiwan's diplomatic constraints, many international events exclude Taiwan, especially high-profile ones vulnerable to political interference. The fact that the Contemporary Legend Theatre has toured the world's three major arts festivals is a historic achievement. Artistic Director Wu Hsing-kuo has spent his life conquering global stages. This year, he was recognized by hundreds of Shakespeare scholars and invited to perform at the 50th-anniversary celebration of the World Shakespeare Congress in a Roman amphitheater—an immense honor. However, between April and May, they repeatedly called the Ministry's Department of International Affairs, hoping Wu could personally report on the significance of this trip. They sought government and private collaboration, coordination with the Taipei Cultural Office in Europe, and broad invitations to arts, academic, theater, and political leaders, along with outreach to overseas communities and media, to extend meetings and workshops and amplify cultural exchange impact.

Yet, the Department repeatedly cited 'heavy workloads' to refuse meetings—even phone calls. Lin lamented, 'A hero who has long fought for Taiwan must now fight alone. The heartache is profound!' Wu Hsing-kuo, a recipient of France's Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, has contributed greatly to Taiwan, yet faces such humiliation. What then of others? Thus, Lin posed three questions to the Director-General of the Department of International Affairs:

First question: Don't you know Wu Hsing-kuo? We are hailed as a 'Taiwan Top Team.' Isn't the World Shakespeare Congress important?

Second question: Is the Ministry of Culture really that poor? Sending 25 people with millions spent on stage sets and transportation, yet only offering three economy-class tickets?

Third question: Do you understand the government's responsibilities? Every former Minister of Culture, the Department of International Affairs, and overseas embassies have actively supported us. Is the Contemporary Legend Theatre no longer worthy of representing Taiwan's culture? Is it because we don't sing in Taiwanese?

Lin revealed that during their most disheartened moment, Terry Gou, Chairman of Hon Hai, reached out and offered a meeting, providing warm encouragement and pledging full support for the journey. Lin stressed this was not about politics or stance, and listed past collaborations—completing the international marketing of 'Metamorphosis' at the Edinburgh Festival with former Minister of Culture Cheng Li-chun, working with former ministers Lee Yung-te and Shih Che, and receiving support from Council for Cultural Affairs Chairperson Kuo Wei-fan, Taiwan Representative to the UK Shen Lyu-shun, and Taiwan Representative to Germany Hsieh Chi-ta.

In closing, Lin said, 'I hope it's all a misunderstanding. After returning, I hope the Director-General of the Department of International Affairs will meet with us and allow us to report on the outcomes of this trip.' After the incident drew public attention, the Ministry of Culture responded that there may have been a communication misunderstanding and expressed hope for dialogue to clarify the situation.