Opinion Piece: Lai Jui-lung's Son Bullied Classmates but Only Needed to Apologize, While Johnny Chiang's Son Faces Family-Wide Vilification for Exchange Program

Public oversight of political figures is entirely justified, and extending such scrutiny to their families to examine potential ethical issues or conflicts of interest is also unavoidable. However, what we need is a healthy system of oversight—one that applies consistent standards so that wrongdoing, regardless of political color, cannot hide.

Unfortunately, Taiwan’s current environment falls far short of this ideal. A quick look at Threads (Cui) reveals clear traces of coordinated online army activity: users aggressively praising Shen Po-yang (most recently comparing his looks to Jin from BTS, known for his good looks), while relentlessly attacking Johnny Chiang. Falsehoods are even being fabricated—such as falsely claiming Wang Wei-chung said on a show, "It's a pity Shen Po-yang isn't from the KMT."

Bad enough as it is, many netizens on Threads have recently complained, "No matter how I scroll, I keep seeing pro-Shen, anti-Chiang posts," and "I can’t avoid seeing them even if I don’t want to." This clearly shows the Green camp’s sophisticated manipulation of online algorithms.

Mainstream media aren’t immune either. Since a pro-Blue media outlet was recently raided over a 'spy case,' many pro-Blue and pro-White commentators have gone silent or significantly toned down criticism. Meanwhile, pro-DPP outlets push over ten pro-Green, anti-Blue news alerts per day via apps, and their Facebook pages openly identify as "Taiwan faction," warmly interacting with fans. Their stance is no longer hidden—basic journalistic ethics have completely collapsed.

In this context, it’s no surprise that Johnny Chiang’s son, Chiang Te-li, who fully disclosed his identity legally and applied for a U.S. exchange program, has been harshly criticized by public opinion. In contrast, Lai Jui-lung, DPP Kaohsiung mayoral candidate, whose son bullied classmates, faced only calls for apology—and continues to receive full party support.

Both are minors, yet Lai’s son is well protected while Chiang Te-li faces relentless online abuse. This one-sided targeting of Blue and White figures creates an unfair competitive landscape, turning Taiwan’s democracy into a system where bad money drives out good.

Chiang Te-li, after all, is an academically excellent student with no behavioral issues, whereas Lai’s son reportedly engaged in violent bullying from a young age—a stark contrast. Yet Lai faces far less public pressure than Chiang. This is not only unfair to rival parties but also to other contenders within the DPP itself. Why should someone who fails to raise their child properly still enjoy power and popularity, while others who do their best get punished?

Only when justice-minded, fairness-seeking moderate voters stand up can this toxic environment change. Let us hope more people find the courage to speak out, even in adverse conditions—only then can Taiwan avoid further decline.

*Author is a corporate HR executive