In a storm of controversy, Taiwanese host Tseng Kuo-cheng is facing intense scrutiny following his recent comments supporting fellow celebrity Huang Zijaio, which led to the loss of his hosting job on the popular show, 'One Word for Gold'. This incident has drawn renewed attention to previous allegations against him, including an alleged attempt to forcibly kiss actress Tao Jingying several years ago.
On March 24, 2025, at a public event, Tao Jingying addressed the topic, stating, "I don’t want to elaborate because I felt uncomfortable," referencing the incident that reportedly occurred when Tseng was intoxicated. The dissatisfaction expressed by Tao highlights a significant public sentiment regarding boundaries and respectful conduct in the entertainment industry.
The discourse around Tseng's behavior gained momentum when a netizen known as 'German Aunt' compiled a list outlining seven of his alleged misdeeds, emphasizing a recurring theme of power abuse within the industry. German Aunt accused Tseng of engaging in myriad unprofessional and disrespectful behaviors, stating, "Tseng Kuo-cheng has always been a person who does whatever he wants in the entertainment industry," shedding light on an environment where some personalities feel entitled to act without consequence.
The allegations against Tseng extend beyond the kissing incident. Notably, makeup artist Yan Yun recounted that while helping Tseng with makeup during the MeToo movement, he inappropriately rubbed her thigh with his limbs. "He used his limbs to rub my thigh," Yan recalled, making it clear that such actions are unacceptable and foster a culture of harassment.
Additionally, artist Tang Chia-chun detailed her experience, saying, "I felt the other person's body bumping into me, the degree of pressure on my chest," illustrating the uncomfortable physical boundary violations that some have faced. These testimonies paint a troubling picture of Tseng Kuo-cheng’s actions and raise questions about the treatment of women in the industry.
Tseng's insensitivity was also apparent during a conversation he had with fellow artist Kuo Yuan-yuan, who had previously spoken out about her experiences with sexual harassment. In an alarming display of disregard, Tseng told her, "You should get used to it," a comment that was broadly criticized for diminishing the seriousness of such experiences.
There are also allegations concerning past conduct, including an incident in 2001 when Tseng allegedly took a hostess out and was subsequently blackmailed for 500,000 NTD after refusing to pay. Tseng admitted to visiting the hotel and later claimed he was drunk and could not recall the details—a new layer adding to the narrative of his inconsistent accountability.
Furthermore, Tseng faced backlash for his behavior on various television programs. Reports indicate he routinely made inappropriate remarks and physical gestures towards female stars, including hitting their buttocks multiple times during a segment on 'Genius Go Go Go'. Such actions drew the ire of those advocating for a more respectful cultural stance regarding gender dynamics within the entertainment industry.
After the recent resurfacing of these incidents, public discourse has shifted significantly, driven largely by the ongoing MeToo movement which has emphasized the need for better awareness and accountability regarding sexual misconduct. Many have reflected on how the industry has traditionally overlooked such behaviors or trivialized them due to personality cults surrounding popular figures like Tseng Kuo-cheng.
The German Aunt’s post serves as a timely reminder of the systemic issues in Taiwan's entertainment landscape, prompting discussions on whether accountability mechanisms are sufficient to address the pervasive harassment faced by many. The importance of engaging with these difficult conversations strengthens the resolve within the industry to instigate change.
As society's awareness of harassment continues to evolve, individuals like Tao Jingying are sharing their experiences to educate and inspire others to speak out against similar misconduct. The resonating message is clear: the time for silence has passed. Women and allies are coming together to demand respect and safety in all spaces, including the media and entertainment sectors.
In reflecting on the contentions surrounding Tseng Kuo-cheng, one can’t help but wonder about the broader implications for the entertainment industry. Will these revelations serve as a catalyst for significant change, or will they fade as past issues have? Ultimately, the hope remains that accountability becomes the norm, fostering a safer environment for all individuals in Taiwan's entertainment landscape.
