TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Influencer Kuan Chang (館長), whose real name is Chen Chih-han (陳之漢), is at the center of controversy for his alleged ties to China.
Chen, who owns a chain of gyms in Taiwan, regularly comments on politics. This week, former associates made a wave of accusations about Chen, alleging he accepted money from Chinese government agents to criticize the Taiwan government on his popular livestream, reported Newtalk.
In the past, Chen was seen as a defender of Taiwan's sovereignty. However, that image has changed drastically in recent months after a summer trip to China, and controversial remarks about beheading President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), which resulted in Chen’s detention.
A recording of a conversation between Chen and a manager at one of his gyms was also reportedly leaked online. In the recording, the manager says that Chen’s company is widely viewed as a “Chinese gym,” because a majority of internet users believe he is colluding with the Chinese Communist Party, per Newtalk.
When asked about the allegations, Chen said he “misjudged” the situation when he tried to increase engagement with Chinese internet users, but admitted to looking for financial opportunities in China. Amid the ongoing controversy, Chen claims that he has been blackmailed and targeted with threats of violence.
In addition to allegations that Chen accepted bribes to take on a pro-China stance, Chen was also accused of improper behavior in the workplace. Some former employees have made allegations of sexual harassment and dishonest financial dealings, per Newtalk.
