Former Taekwondo Coach Lee Tung-hsien, Who Once Raised China's Five-Star Flag, Faces Stroke and Debt, Seeks Return to Taiwan via Family Reunification

Lee Tung-hsien, a former taekwondo coach, sparked controversy in 2023 when he wore a 'TPE' jersey but raised China's five-star flag on the podium at the Asia-Pacific Masters Games. In 2025, his Taiwan household registration was canceled after it was discovered he held a Chinese identity card. Over a year later, reports have emerged that Lee, now long-term resident in China, is facing serious health and financial difficulties.

According to screenshots of conversations with friends recently circulated online, Lee revealed that he has been in poor health for over half a year, suffering from facial paralysis and aphasia. During his hospitalization, he said he was unable to speak a complete sentence. Although he is gradually recovering, he admits his mental and verbal abilities are noticeably slower than before.

Lee disclosed that his taekwondo academy has already closed, leaving him with over 1 million in foreign debt. To survive, he has been driving for ride-hailing services without a license, earning minimal income—a stark contrast to his once high-profile appearance on the podium.

In the messages, Lee lamented that while he once 'dedicated himself to cross-strait exchanges,' he endured endless criticism, only to be met with indifference when he fell seriously ill. He said he had to bear all medical expenses alone and questioned whether this was 'a form of retribution,' adding, 'My heart is completely broken.' He expressed a strong desire to return to Taiwan and plans to apply for family reunification through his father, who still resides there.

The conversation screenshots quickly went viral online. Many Taiwanese netizens reacted angrily, criticizing him with comments such as, 'Taiwan is not a recycling center,' 'You kowtowed to China, and now you dare ask to return?' and 'Where is that boldness you showed raising the five-star flag on the podium?'

In response, the Mainland Affairs Council stated that no application for family reunification from Lee has been received so far. As Lee is now considered a mainland Chinese national, any application to enter Taiwan must follow the relevant regulations and procedures accordingly.