Born in Hsinchu City in 1959, Ko Wen-je emerged as a central figure in intensive care medicine before shifting his career toward electoral politics. As a surgeon at National Taiwan University Hospital, he gained recognition for pioneering extracorporeal membrane oxygenation procedures and standardizing transplant protocols, eventually transitioning into the public sphere as the 13th mayor of Taipei.
Medical Innovation and Academic Training
Ko completed his Bachelor of Medicine at National Taiwan University in 1986. Following military service as a combat medic, he specialized in surgery and critical care. His academic progression included a research fellowship at the University of Minnesota between 1993 and 1994 and a Ph.D. in clinical medicine from National Taiwan University in 2002. His doctoral research focused on the clinical applications and prognosis projections for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
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During his tenure at the National Taiwan University Hospital, Ko played a critical role in establishing the institution's first organ transplant team. He introduced extracorporeal membrane oxygenation techniques that increased heart transplant success rates from 19 percent to 51 percent. In 2008, he set a record by sustaining a patient's life for 117 consecutive days using this technology. His development of standardized organ transplant procedures was eventually adopted by the Department of Health across Taiwan.
Entry into Politics
Ko entered the political arena in 2014, successfully running as an independent candidate for the Taipei mayoralty and defeating Sean Lien. He secured re-election in 2018. In 2019, he founded the Taiwan People's Party, serving as its chairman until 2025. In 2024, he pursued the presidency as the party's nominee, positioning himself as a third-way alternative before placing third in the final election results.
Legal and Corruption Investigations
In August 2024, judicial authorities detained Ko regarding a property development project initiated during his mayoral term. By December 2024, prosecutors indicted him on charges of bribery and corruption. He remained in detention until September 2025, when he was released on bail of NT$70 million. His legal proceedings sparked widespread public discussion and demonstrations regarding the integrity of the process.
Fast facts
- Born: 1959, Hsinchu City
- Citizenship: Taiwan
- Education: National Taiwan University, University of Minnesota
- Positions: Mayor of Taipei (2014–2022), Chairman of TPP (2019–2025)
- Languages: English, Taiwanese Hokkien, Standard Taiwanese Mandarin
Questions readers ask
What medical field did Ko Wen-je specialize in?
He was an intensive care physician and surgeon who specialized in organ transplantation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
Why was Ko Wen-je detained in 2024?
He was detained and later indicted on bribery and corruption charges related to a property development project from his time as mayor of Taipei.
Achievements
- Held posts at National Taiwan University
