Will Han Kuo-yu Run in 2028? Polls Rank Him Third, but 'Heaven's Number One Divination' Hints at a Comeback

More than a year remains until Taiwan's 2028 presidential election, but the question of who will represent the Kuomintang (KMT) is already a focal point in political discourse. According to a recent poll released on the 27th of last month by the Taiwan Liji Association, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an leads with 30% in the survey asking 'Who is most suitable to represent the KMT in the 2028 presidential election,' followed by Taichung Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen at 22.7%, and Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu at 19%.

However, Lo Shih-hsin, chairman of the Yangmingshan Jiang Taigong Temple, revealed in a July interview with media personality Hsiao-chun Liao that after praying for a divine oracle from Jiang Taigong, Han Kuo-yu received the highest score among potential KMT candidates. This has been interpreted as a sign that Han is the most likely to represent the KMT in 2028, creating a fascinating contrast between 'human calculation' (polls) and 'heavenly calculation' (divination).

Han has recently drawn attention after an unusual public outburst expressing dissatisfaction with KMT caucus leader Fu Kun-chi for not attending cross-party budget negotiations. This sparked widespread discussion in political commentary and media circles, reigniting the debate over whether Han will run again in 2028, and boosting his political visibility.

Lo stated that polls reflect only the current moment, and that over a year is enough time for the political landscape to shift dramatically. The divination, he explained, reveals future trajectories shaped by the interplay of personnel, timing, and fortune. Being first now does not guarantee final nomination, and trailing today does not rule out a comeback.

The Jiang Taigong Temple has previously conducted divinations before major presidential elections upon request from followers. In 2012, when Tsai Ing-wen first ran for president, the temple published in China Times Weekly that the time for a female president had not yet arrived. After the DPP's heavy defeat in the 2018 'Nine-in-One' elections and Tsai's low approval ratings, Lo appeared on Sanlih's 'Explosive News Line' stating that the divination indicated Tsai would 'suck sugarcane backwards'—improving over time.

One month before the 2020 presidential election, Tsai received the 'Qian Gen' hexagram. The temple interpreted the verse 'Spring spirit by water grows' to suggest that figures with 'water' in their names—like Lai Qing-te and Chen Shui-bian—might aid Tsai. 'Good to feast at the琼林 banquet' was seen as a sign that Tsai would host a state banquet and secure re-election. In contrast, Han Kuo-yu received the 'Li Xun' hexagram, which was interpreted as indicating a difficult path to the presidency. The actual election results aligned with this interpretation.

Ahead of the 2024 presidential election, the Jiang Taigong divination again drew attention. During the temple's birthday celebration in September 2023, divinations were cast for major candidates. Lai Qing-te received the poem: 'Broad shore, deep water—boats easily sink; long road, steep mountains—steps hard to take. Yet snakes find their way through; when the moon rises in the sky, all becomes clear.' Lo interpreted the first two lines as symbolizing Lai's difficult campaign path, but 'snakes find their way' and 'moon in the sky' as signs that despite twists, he would ultimately succeed—declaring Lai the 'chosen one.'

At the same time, KMT candidate Hou Yu-ih was seen as facing ongoing difficulties, with poor party unity leading to a tough race. Ko Wen-je's reading suggested 'heroic ambitions unfulfilled,' while Guo Tai-ming received 'a day of wind and moon, at ease,' leading the temple to predict he would eventually withdraw. Guo indeed announced his withdrawal in November 2023, and Lai won the 2024 election.

Now, while polls show Chiang and Lu leading Han, the Jiang Taigong divination has already positioned Han as the most likely KMT candidate for 2028—creating a stark contrast. From Tsai Ing-wen to Lai Qing-te, and now Han Kuo-yu, the temple has repeatedly issued divinations before election results, fueling believers' saying: 'Human plans cannot surpass heavenly fate.'

The 2028 race still holds uncertainties. Whether Han will truly run again remains unknown. Whether the 'Number One Divine Divination' has once again revealed the hidden currents of politics will ultimately be confirmed by time.