Dagang Kaichang Becomes Election Battleground: Chen Chi-mai Urges Protection of Independence

(Central News Agency reporter Lin Chiao-lien, Kaohsiung, June 17) The Kaohsiung music festival 'Dagang Kaichang' has once again become a focal point in the mayoral election campaign. Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai stated that 'Dagang Kaichang' has evolved into a well-known cultural brand and 'was never planned by the city government.' He emphasized that the next mayor's responsibility should be to safeguard the festival's independence and autonomy, rather than interfere or impose administrative review.

KMT Kaohsiung mayoral candidate Ko Chih-en yesterday said that Kaohsiung has recently gained international recognition through its 'concert economy.' She proposed a 'Concert Economy 2.0' plan, referencing global music festivals such as Coachella in California and Glastonbury in the UK, aiming to position Kaohsiung as a key exporter of Asian pop music and transform 'Dagang Kaichang' into an 'Asian Coachella.' Her proposal sparked debate, with many DPP-affiliated figures criticizing it online.

Before attending the 'Tuna Fisheries Association Members' General Meeting' today, Mayor Chen responded to media inquiries on the concert economy. He stated that the Kaohsiung City Government has already entered the 'Concert Economy 2.0' era. 'Before I took office, no one believed top-tier bands would come to Kaohsiung. But now, when major bands tour Taiwan, people find it hard to believe they would skip Kaohsiung.'

Chen noted that in recent years, Kaohsiung has steadily expanded its concert scale. The concert economy is no longer just about venue revenue or ticket sales, but has become a cultural industry driving local business districts, night markets, and tourism.

Regarding the ongoing discussion about 'Dagang Kaichang,' Chen emphasized that the festival's most valuable asset is its spirit of independence. Its future direction should be determined collectively by bands, music fans, and the younger generation—not dictated by government intervention.

He pointed out that the festival's continuous growth has been rooted in its core values of freedom, diversity, and openness. The future form of 'Dagang Kaichang' should be shaped by the artists, fans, and youth involved, not regulated by the government or any external body.

Chen stressed that over the past six years, the city government has never interfered with the content of 'Dagang Kaichang' or other music festivals, respecting their independent spirit. 'You can't ban a band just because you don't like the songs they sing or the messages they convey.'

He reiterated that the next mayor's most important task should be to protect the festival's autonomy. 'It would be entirely inappropriate for the city government to frequently interfere, cut budgets, or impose administrative reviews.' (Editor: Yang Sheng-ju) 1150617

Stand with facts. Your support is a force in defending press freedom.

Download the CNA 'First News' app to stay updated with the latest news.

Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, broadcast, or transmitted without authorization.