TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The health of former Taipei mayor and Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨) founder Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) has reportedly deteriorated significantly while in custody, according to party officials. Ko, who is currently detained as investigators probe his alleged involvement in the Core Pacific City (京華城) land deal and campaign finance irregularities, experienced a sudden medical crisis on Thursday (March 27). The development adds a troubling dimension to a case that has already sent shockwaves through Taiwan's political landscape.
Party representatives revealed that Ko's health situation has rapidly declined, with symptoms pointing to a potentially serious renal condition. According to the TPP statement, the former chairman is suffering from intense pain and episodes of vomiting — clinical signs that medical professionals within the party believe indicate acute kidney injury requiring immediate medical intervention. In response to the deteriorating situation, party officials are preparing an emergency petition to secure Ko's transfer to a hospital facility. His wife, Peggy Chen, is scheduled to address the public at 1 p.m. today to offer a comprehensive update on both his medical condition and the party's efforts to secure appropriate care.
Peggy Chen (陳佩琪), a physician herself and Ko's spouse, has voiced profound worry about her husband's condition following the revelation by his defense attorneys that he is passing blood in his urine. The presence of hematuria — blood in the urine — represents a potentially serious symptom that typically warrants prompt medical evaluation. Chen has committed to pursuing every possible diagnostic pathway to identify the underlying cause of Ko's symptoms, underscoring the urgency of the situation as he remains in detention facilities with limited access to specialized medical care.
Today's press briefing, set to take place at the Taipei Glass Building (台玻大樓), will bring together medical and legal perspectives on Ko's situation. The panel will include his wife Peggy Chen alongside TPP Legislator Chin Chao-tzu (陳昭姿), who has been a vocal advocate for Ko's rights while in custody. They will be joined by retired National Taiwan University Hospital Professor Hsieh Yen-yao (謝炎堯), whose medical expertise may provide context for understanding the seriousness of Ko's symptoms. TPP Caucus Director Vicky Chen (陳智菡) will complete the panel, with the group expected to outline both Ko's current health status and the legal strategies being employed to ensure he receives necessary medical attention while the investigation continues.
