Ko Wen-je's Brief Medical Leave: Health Concerns Emerge Amid Corruption Trial in Taiwan

Former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je's health takes center stage as he is briefly released from detention for medical treatment, sparking public interest and political speculation.

Taipei, Taiwan – Former Taiwan People's Party (TPP) Chairman Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) was briefly granted leave from prison late Saturday for medical treatment, raising questions about his health amidst ongoing corruption charges.

The Taipei Detention Center reported that Ko experienced "feeling unwell" at 6:40 p.m. While his health indicators initially appeared normal, the prison cited his status as a "high-risk health case" and authorized off-site medical care at 9:55 p.m.

After a two-hour absence, Ko returned to the prison at 11:57 p.m. Doctors determined his condition was "stable" and did not warrant continued hospitalization, according to the prison.

Reports indicate Ko has been suffering from kidney stones for the past week, accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting and bloody urine.

Despite efforts by his legal team to secure his release for medical attention, the Taipei District Court on Friday extended his detention by two months, citing concerns of flight, collusion, or evidence tampering.

The former TPP chairman has been detained since last September. He was indicted in December on charges including bribery, embezzlement, and breach of trust, relating to his second term as Taipei mayor (2018-2022) and his involvement in the 2024 presidential race.

Ko, who denies all charges, attended his trial for the first time on March 21.

At approximately 5 p.m. Saturday, TPP Chairman Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌) submitted a legal petition to the Taipei Detention Center, advocating for Ko's medical treatment at a hospital.

Huang, joined by a contingent of TPP supporters, displayed a white banner outside the prison demanding Ko's release and vowed to remain until a response was received from prison authorities.

The Taipei Detention Center, having initially deemed Ko ineligible for off-site medical care earlier in the day, appeared to change its decision after Ko reported feeling unwell, leading to his two-hour departure for treatment.

As of Sunday midday, further details regarding Ko's condition have not been released.