Wang Shih-ssu Defends Lin Chi-ling's Appointment as TAICCA Director Amid Doubts, Hopes for a Chance for Scrutiny
Regarding the controversy over artist Lin Chi-ling's appointment as a director of the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA), Chairperson Wang Shih-ssu responded to criticism by stating that Lin's past remarks in the Chinese market reflect the predicament faced by Taiwan's film and television workers. She urged the public to judge Lin by her future actions.
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- 📰 Published: May 14, 2026 at 22:59
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Central News Agency, Taipei, May 14 (Reporter Wang Pao-erh) - The appointment of artist Lin Chi-ling as a director of the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA) has sparked discussion. TAICCA Chairperson Wang Shih-ssu stated that some of Lin's past statements while developing her career in the Chinese market reflect the difficulties faced by Taiwanese film and television professionals, and she hopes to give more space and opportunities to those willing to return to Taiwan and invest in the industry.
Wang Shih-ssu is currently at the Cannes Film Festival in France. According to a press release from TAICCA, when asked by the media there today about Lin Chi-ling's appointment as a director, and regarding public doubts on whether the director should be replaced, Wang stated that there is no reason to replace a director at this stage.
Wang said, "TAICCA has 15 directors. We should have confidence in Taiwan's cultural content industry; it won't be influenced by a single director." She added that society can scrutinize Lin's suitability for the position based on her future actions, rather than dwelling on past statements.
Wang expressed her understanding of society's sensitivity and emphasis on national security, sovereignty, and cultural stance. "Faced with the international situation and pressure from the Chinese market, it's understandable that everyone in Taiwan would view every decision with caution."
Recent reports have criticized TAICCA for overemphasizing publicity and attention-grabbing effects. Wang admitted that Lin Chi-ling indeed has international visibility. "When she goes to an international film festival, she is someone who will be seen, who will walk the red carpet." But she stressed that what's more important is not the star power, but whether it can bring tangible help and international attention to Taiwan's cultural content.
Wang mentioned that some of Lin Chi-ling's past statements while developing in the Chinese market actually reflect the long-term realistic dilemma faced by many Taiwanese film and television workers. "When we face the larger Mandarin-speaking market, we indeed bear pressure from the market and politics. This is not just Lin Chi-ling's personal problem, but a situation that the entire Taiwanese entertainment industry has faced together."
Wang emphasized that what's more important in recent years is to see the transformation in Lin Chi-ling's role and her actual involvement. "She has moved from the spotlight to behind the scenes, starting to use her own resources to support Taiwanese cultural content. For her, this is not a matter of money, but a form of commitment." She pointed out that Lin has been actively involved in the development of content such as animation, documentaries, and films in recent years, and continues to be involved in issues related to children and public welfare, hoping to let more Taiwanese content be seen by the world.
"Transitioning from a star on stage to a supporter behind the scenes is actually very rare," Wang believes. She feels that Lin Chi-ling exhibits a quality of being "gentle but resilient," which is also a microcosm of how Taiwan has long faced the international environment. "She once tried to enter the Chinese market and experienced difficulties and pressure, but Taiwan actually needs to reflect on our international position and what preparations we should make when facing the market in the future from these experiences."
Wang said she hopes society can give more space and opportunities to people who are willing to return to Taiwan and invest in the industry. "If a person is willing to prove their dedication to Taiwan with actions, we should preserve the possibility of letting more people join the ranks of this industry."
As for whether Lin Chi-ling will be invited to take on an international promotion or public relations role for TAICCA in the future, Wang said that if there is a suitable occasion, the possibility of cooperation is not ruled out. "Directors like Chen Hsiang-chi are also important role models in different fields. We hope to make good use of everyone's expertise and influence to bring more diverse voices and international connections to Taiwan's cultural content." (Editor: Chen Ching-fang) 1150514
Wang Shih-ssu is currently at the Cannes Film Festival in France. According to a press release from TAICCA, when asked by the media there today about Lin Chi-ling's appointment as a director, and regarding public doubts on whether the director should be replaced, Wang stated that there is no reason to replace a director at this stage.
Wang said, "TAICCA has 15 directors. We should have confidence in Taiwan's cultural content industry; it won't be influenced by a single director." She added that society can scrutinize Lin's suitability for the position based on her future actions, rather than dwelling on past statements.
Wang expressed her understanding of society's sensitivity and emphasis on national security, sovereignty, and cultural stance. "Faced with the international situation and pressure from the Chinese market, it's understandable that everyone in Taiwan would view every decision with caution."
Recent reports have criticized TAICCA for overemphasizing publicity and attention-grabbing effects. Wang admitted that Lin Chi-ling indeed has international visibility. "When she goes to an international film festival, she is someone who will be seen, who will walk the red carpet." But she stressed that what's more important is not the star power, but whether it can bring tangible help and international attention to Taiwan's cultural content.
Wang mentioned that some of Lin Chi-ling's past statements while developing in the Chinese market actually reflect the long-term realistic dilemma faced by many Taiwanese film and television workers. "When we face the larger Mandarin-speaking market, we indeed bear pressure from the market and politics. This is not just Lin Chi-ling's personal problem, but a situation that the entire Taiwanese entertainment industry has faced together."
Wang emphasized that what's more important in recent years is to see the transformation in Lin Chi-ling's role and her actual involvement. "She has moved from the spotlight to behind the scenes, starting to use her own resources to support Taiwanese cultural content. For her, this is not a matter of money, but a form of commitment." She pointed out that Lin has been actively involved in the development of content such as animation, documentaries, and films in recent years, and continues to be involved in issues related to children and public welfare, hoping to let more Taiwanese content be seen by the world.
"Transitioning from a star on stage to a supporter behind the scenes is actually very rare," Wang believes. She feels that Lin Chi-ling exhibits a quality of being "gentle but resilient," which is also a microcosm of how Taiwan has long faced the international environment. "She once tried to enter the Chinese market and experienced difficulties and pressure, but Taiwan actually needs to reflect on our international position and what preparations we should make when facing the market in the future from these experiences."
Wang said she hopes society can give more space and opportunities to people who are willing to return to Taiwan and invest in the industry. "If a person is willing to prove their dedication to Taiwan with actions, we should preserve the possibility of letting more people join the ranks of this industry."
As for whether Lin Chi-ling will be invited to take on an international promotion or public relations role for TAICCA in the future, Wang said that if there is a suitable occasion, the possibility of cooperation is not ruled out. "Directors like Chen Hsiang-chi are also important role models in different fields. We hope to make good use of everyone's expertise and influence to bring more diverse voices and international connections to Taiwan's cultural content." (Editor: Chen Ching-fang) 1150514