Presidential Office Concert Rehearsal in Kaohsiung; Chen Ming-chang: Democracy is the Most Precious Thing

Central News Agency (CNA) reporter Lin Chiao-lien, Kaohsiung, 7th May – The Presidential Office Concert will take place on May 23rd at Pingtung County Stadium. Musicians Chen Ming-chang, Wu Yong-chieh, and Tsao Ya-wen gathered today at Pier-2 Art Center in Kaohsiung for a rehearsal. Chen Ming-chang stated that freedom, democracy, and human rights are the most precious things in life, and that Taiwan's 30 years of direct presidential elections should continue.

Chen Ming-chang, Wu Yong-chieh, and Tsao Ya-wen rehearsed 'Island's Dawn' with the Fengtian Elementary School Choir today. After the rehearsal, the three artists were interviewed by the media. Chen Ming-chang said, 'Freedom is too important,' and everyone should cherish the freedom, democracy, and human rights of this land and continue to pass on this beauty.

Recalling the 30th anniversary of the presidential direct election, Wu Yong-chieh, lead singer of The Chairman Band, laughed and said he remembered his first vote while serving in the military, when they were given leave to vote. 'I remember the officers at that time even specified who everyone should vote for.'

Wu Yong-chieh stated that The Chairman Band's first single, 'Gods Protect Taiwan,' was also a critique of the government at the time, and if it had been during martial law, they would have been arrested. For today's young people, democracy and freedom are inherent, but they might not cherish them as much. Looking back at the era of authoritarian rule and resistance, 'Freedom is truly the goal you pursue your entire life.'

Tsao Ya-wen said that although she did not experience the authoritarian era, she has traveled to many countries and seen many where people cannot enjoy the right to vote. In Taiwan, being able to vote independently is so natural, but for many people in other countries, it is very difficult. She hopes that this happiness in Taiwan can continue.

The 2026 Presidential Office Concert, jointly organized by the Presidential Office and the General Association of Chinese Culture, will begin at 7 PM on May 23rd at Pingtung County Stadium.

The General Association of Chinese Culture stated that, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of Taiwan's presidential direct election, this year's theme is 'Democratic Taiwan, Southern Wind Warm Song.' It will unfold through five main axes: 'Echoes of the Island,' 'Blossoming Freedom,' 'Confident Leadership,' 'Walking Hand in Hand,' and 'Guarding Taiwan,' connecting the development trajectory of Taiwan's democratic spirit, reconnecting people, land, and historical memory, and outlining the cultural landscape of this land. (Edited by Chen Ching-fang) 1150507

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