Stories from Kaohsiung · Taiwan

A judge in Kaohsiung ordered a woman, who allegedly injured a convenience store employee with a wine bottle, to report to the prosecutor regularly.

Labor groups in Taiwan have proposed eight major demands focused on reforming the retirement system. The proposal includes increasing the employer's mandatory contribution rate from 6% to 7%, with subsequent increases every two years to reach 12% by the eleventh year.

Members of the Forest City Association Taiwan Tree People gathered in front of the Presidential Office to protest the planned clearing of a 100-hectare forest at a sugar factory in Qiaotou New Town, Kaohsiung.

Authorities raided an illegal refueling station operating out of a street-level shop in Kaohsiung. Police seized approximately 850 litres of fuel during the operation. The location is situated near residential buildings and an elderly care home. Officials stated that an explosion of this volume would have the destructive force of 1,000 pounds of explosives. The travel industry authority announced it will severely crack down on illegal refueling operations.

A police officer in Kaohsiung has not been suspended despite allegations of harassing a female subordinate.

A court issued a first-instance verdict today against 25-year-old singer Chiu Chun-jai for causing the death of a roadside driver in 2024. A 25-year-old singer, Chiu Chun-Chai, was sentenced today for negligent driving causing death. The 25-year-old singer struck and killed a truck driver resting by the roadside in early 2024. Statistics show 40 pedestrians died in accidents involving drivers under the influence or those who refused medical examinations. There were 110 traffic accidents involving such drivers. Fourteen people died in these specific incidents, representing approximately one in ten. Additionally, 138 participants in these accidents sustained various degrees of injury. The report also noted 253 accidents involving minors under 16, resulting in 8 deaths and 272 injuries.

Police in Taiwan have detained a man residing in Taoyuan in connection with a false social media report regarding potato product poisoning. The rumors, which circulated via images on Facebook, caused public panic regarding mass hospitalizations. Authorities identified and questioned the suspect on Monday. Premier Cho Jung-tai and Agriculture Minister Chen Chun-jai denied the claims, stating the specific products mentioned were not involved in such an incident. Officials criticized the spread of online rumors over government information. The investigation is ongoing to determine the validity of the claims.

Kaohsiung Police Chief Zhao Ruihua stated on Tuesday that the department will not protect any officers involved in misconduct. An officer with a two-star, three-stripe rank is accused of sexually harassing a female officer in October 2025. The officer has been transferred to a non-supervisory position in a different district. Zhao said that the investigation will continue without leniency. The measures include administrative restructuring, holding relevant personnel accountable, and reassigning individuals to non-managerial roles. The entire case is being transferred to the disciplinary court. The officer involved, who was scheduled to retire on July 16, will no longer be able to apply for early retirement in June. Authorities have decided to adjust the officer's role to a non-managerial position.

The Kaohsiung City Education Bureau is investigating reports of a child being threatened at a school. Officials are currently working to clarify the circumstances of the event and are providing classroom-based opportunity education to students. The bureau confirmed it received information via social media and has issued a school safety report. Administrative teams have intervened to track the student's status and implement follow-up measures. Local authorities are currently monitoring the impact on the student body. The incident has prompted questions regarding the oversight capabilities of the Kaohsiung Mayor and the local education bureau.

Kaohsiung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen has been actively campaigning, appearing at events in New Taipei and Kaohsiung to support Ko Chih-en. Kaohsiung Mayor Hou Yu-ih has increased her political activities, campaigning for Ko Chih-en in Kaohsiung. She has also visited New Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Hsinchu. Hou Yu-ih is demonstrating her ambition for re-election in 2026. The KMT and TPP are coordinating in other areas. A commentator named Fang Lun believes that current legislators from across Taiwan are merely pretending to be active in politics. The ruling party, DPP, is accused of misinterpreting and misusing constitutional articles. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in Taiwan has nominated Shen Po-yang to the top position on its non-constituent legislator list.