The Taipei District Court has once again extended the detention of former Taipei Mayor and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) founder Ko Wen-je in connection with the Core Pacific City redevelopment corruption case, further escalating one of Taiwan’s most high-profile political scandals in recent memory.
Ko, along with real estate tycoon Sheen Ching-jing, former Taipei mayoral office chief Lee Wen-tsung, and Taipei City Councilor Ying Hsiao-wei, will remain in detention and held incommunicado until early August, following a court ruling on Tuesday. This marks the third extension of their detention since January 2025.
🔍 Background: What Is the Core Pacific City Scandal?
The case centers around the Core Pacific City redevelopment project, a massive real estate venture located in Songshan District, Taipei. The project had faced years of delay and criticism due to regulatory hurdles and alleged political manipulation.
According to prosecutors, while serving as Taipei Mayor (2014–2022), Ko Wen-je allegedly accepted bribes from Sheen Ching-jing, the developer, to facilitate unusually favorable Floor Area Ratio (FAR) permits — which directly allowed Sheen’s company to build significantly larger, more profitable buildings than legally allowed.
Furthermore, prosecutors claim that over NT$60 million (approx. US$2 million) in political donations were funneled to Ko’s private use via a company called MuKo Public Relations Marketing Co., Ltd. – a violation of campaign finance laws.
⚖️ Legal Developments So Far
- Initial Charges (Dec 2024): Prosecutors indicted Ko, Sheen, and 9 others on charges of bribery, embezzlement, and breach of trust. A sentence of 28 years and 6 months is being sought for Ko.
- Court’s Justification for Detention (Jan, Mar, May 2025): Risk of flight, evidence tampering, and collusion. The court emphasized the seriousness of the charges and the need to preserve the integrity of judicial proceedings.
- TPP Response: The Taiwan People’s Party has repeatedly decried the detentions as politically motivated and a human rights violation, accusing the judiciary of using vague legal language and ignoring due process.
- Pre-Trial Hearing: During the March hearing, Ko maintained his innocence and denied all allegations, accusing prosecutors of bias and sensationalism.
🧠 Original Insights and Commentary
💬 Political Ramifications:
Ko’s arrest and ongoing detention have destabilized the TPP’s political momentum ahead of local elections, potentially damaging its reformist image. Some analysts believe the case could also bolster the ruling DPP’s anti-corruption stance, while critics argue that it might erode public trust in judicial neutrality.
🏙️ Urban Development Angle:
The Core Pacific City scandal is not just a political story—it’s also a cautionary tale about how Taiwan’s urban redevelopment policies can be exploited through political connections. It has sparked renewed debate about transparency in land use laws, campaign finance regulation, and city planning approvals.
📊 FAR and Economic Stakes:
The Floor Area Ratio (FAR) loophole at the center of the scandal could set dangerous precedents if left unchecked. By allowing inflated FAR ratios in exchange for illicit gain, urban density and livability standards may be compromised, leading to unsafe or unsustainable construction practices.
📌 Conclusion
As the legal proceedings intensify, Taiwan watches closely to see whether the judiciary will emerge with its credibility intact or if this high-profile case will deepen political divisions. The case raises broader questions about how power, money, and influence intersect in Taiwan’s rapidly developing urban centers—and whether real accountability can be achieved in the face of growing political polarization.
❓ FAQs
Why was Ko Wen-je detained initially?
Ko is accused of accepting bribes and misusing political donations during his tenure as Taipei mayor, particularly relating to zoning approvals for the Core Pacific City project.
What is the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and why is it important in this case?
FAR is the ratio of a building’s total floor area to the size of the land it’s built on. Ko allegedly manipulated FAR approvals, allowing the developer to build more profitable structures.
Is Ko Wen-je still the head of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP)?
Ko founded the TPP, but his current leadership role is under scrutiny due to the legal issues and detainment.
What are the charges Ko faces?
Bribery, embezzlement, and breach of trust. Prosecutors are seeking over 28 years of prison time.
What’s the TPP’s position on the court ruling?
The TPP condemns the extended detention, labeling it as politically motivated and a violation of Ko’s human rights.
