TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Movie director Wei Te-sheng (魏德聖) on Thursday (May 23) apologized for saying Taiwanese movies were not popular overseas because the government preferred helping Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC).

He was asked about the lack of international success for Taiwanese movies during an online interview for the Ku’s Dream podcast, the Liberty Times reported. He replied shortly, “Because we chose TSMC.”

The comment provoked angry reactions, as the world’s largest contract chipmaker has been praised for its role in improving Taiwan’s global image and for underlining the country’s importance to the world economy.

Wei, who directed the 2008 blockbuster “Cape No. 7,” posted an apology on Facebook Thursday. He said his comments were arbitrary and had damaged TSMC.

He also said he would visit the company and invite its staff to watch a movie free of charge. Wei said he hoped that because of the incident, Taiwan’s technology and culture circles would be able to “create beautiful sparks.”

“Cape No. 7,” a romantic drama with music set on the scenic coast of Pingtung County, made NT$530 million (US$16.44 million) in Taiwan, becoming one of the bestselling movies in the country’s history. He also directed “Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale” about Taiwan’s Indigenous history, the musical “52Hz, I Love You,” and “BIG,” a movie about young cancer patients released last year.