Han Kuo-yu

{{Infobox officeholder

| honorific-prefix = The Honorable{{Cite web |last=立法院 |date=2013-07-23 |title=立法院 |url=https://www.ly.gov.tw/EngPages/Detail.aspx?nodeid=45579&pid=236629 |access-date=2024-02-01 |website=立法院 |language=zh-tw}}

| name = Han Kuo-yu

| native_name = {{nobold|韓國瑜}}

| native_name_lang = zh-hant

| honorific-suffix = MLY

| caption = Official portrait, 2024

| order1 = 13th

| office1 = President of the Legislative Yuan

| term_start1 = 1 February 2024

| term_end1 =

| vicepresident1 = Johnny Chiang

| predecessor1 = You Si-kun

| successor1 =

| office2 = Member of the Legislative Yuan

| term_start2 = 1 February 2024

| term_end2 =

| predecessor2 =

| successor2 =

| constituency2 = Party-list (KMT)

| term_start3 = 1 February 1993

| term_end3 = 31 January 2002

| constituency3 = {{collapsible list|title=See list|Taipei County {{small|(1993–1999)}}
Taipei County 3 {{small|(1999–2002)}}}}

| order4 = 2nd

| office4 = Mayor of Kaohsiung

| term_start4 = 25 December 2018

| term_end4 = 12 June 2020*

| deputy4 = {{collapsible list|title=See list|Lee Shu-chuan
Yeh Kuang-shih
{{ill|Hung Tung-wei|zh|洪東煒}} (2018–2019)
Chen Hsiung-wen (2019)}}

| predecessor4 = Hsu Li-ming (acting)

| successor4 = {{nowrap|Yang Ming-jou}} (acting)

{{collapsed infobox section begin |Other offices |titlestyle=background-color:#eee}}

| office5 = 4th Head of Kaohsiung Chapter of the Kuomintang

| term_start5 = 7 September 2017

| term_end5 = 19 January 2019

| 1blankname5 = Chairman

| 1namedata5 = Wu Den-yih

| predecessor5 = Huang Po-lin

| successor5 = Chuang Chi-wang

| office6 = 4th General Manager of the Taipei Agricultural Products Marketing Corporation

| term_start6 = 1 January 2013

| term_end6 = 31 March 2017

| 1blankname6 = Mayor

| 1namedata6 = Hau Lung-pin
Ko Wen-je

| predecessor6 = Chang Ching-liang

| successor6 = Wu Ying-ning

| office7 = Taipei County Councilor

| term_start7 = 1 March 1990

| term_end7 = 31 January 1993

| constituency7 = Zhonghe District

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1957|6|17|df=y}}

| birth_place = Taipei County, Taiwan

| party = Kuomintang

| spouse = Lee Chia-fen

| children = 3

| education = Republic of China Military Academy (BS)
Soochow University (BA)
National Chengchi University (MA)
Peking University

| branch = {{army|ROC}}

| serviceyears = 1975–1981

| rank = Major

| footnotes =

{{small|*Yeh Kuang-shih was acting mayor from 16 October 2019 – 11 January 2020.}}

| module = {{Infobox Chinese

|child = yes

|title =

|float =

|collapse = yes

| t = 韓國瑜

| s = 韩国瑜

| p = Hán Guóyú

| bpmf = ㄏㄢˊ ㄍㄨㄛˊㄩˊ

| y =

| j = Hon4 Gwok3 jyu4

| poj = Hân Kok-jû

| w = Han² Kuo²-yü²

}}

| image = 立法院長韓國瑜.jpg

}}

Han Kuo-yu (Chinese: 韓國瑜, born 17 June 1957), also known as Daniel Han,{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Courtney Donovan |title=Taiwan Quick Take: A coming rematch between Wu Den-yih and Han Kuo-yu for KMT chair? |url=https://report.tw/taiwan-quick-take-a-coming-rematch-between-wu-den-yih-and-han-kuo-yu-for-kmt-chair/ |access-date=14 June 2020 |work=Taiwan Report |date=17 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614094306/https://report.tw/taiwan-quick-take-a-coming-rematch-between-wu-den-yih-and-han-kuo-yu-for-kmt-chair/ |archive-date=14 June 2020 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Cole |first1=J. Michael |title=Trouble in the Blue Camp |url=https://sentinel.tw/trouble-in-the-blue-camp/ |access-date=14 June 2020 |work=Taiwan Sentinel |date=23 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200601082455/https://sentinel.tw/trouble-in-the-blue-camp/ |archive-date=1 June 2020 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Kaohsiung wants to build 'HK Village' |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/section-news/section/21/217161/Kaohsiung-wants-to-build-%27HK-Village%27 |access-date=14 June 2020 |work=The Standard |date=12 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614094309/https://www.thestandard.com.hk/section-news/section/21/217161/Kaohsiung-wants-to-build-'HK-Village' |archive-date=14 June 2020 |url-status=live }} is a Taiwanese politician and retired Republic of China Army officer who is the current president of the Legislative Yuan.

Han graduated from the Republic of China Military Academy, Soochow University, and National Chengchi University. He was a member of the Legislative Yuan from 1993 to 2002, representing a portion of Taipei County for three terms. He later became general manager of Taipei Agricultural Products Marketing Corporation. In 2017, Han contested the Kuomintang chairmanship, losing to Wu Den-yih.

Han was elected Mayor of Kaohsiung in November 2018, and became the first Kuomintang politician since Wu in 1998 to hold the office. He was the KMT candidate for the 2020 Taiwanese presidential election, but lost to Tsai Ing-wen. On 6 June 2020, Han was recalled from his position as mayor and officially stepped down on 12 June. He returned to the Legislative Yuan after winning a party-list seat in the 2024 legislative election. Han took office as member and was elected the president of the Legislative Yuan on 1 February 2024.

Early life, education, and military career

Han Kuo-yu was born in Taiwan to parents from Henan,{{cite news |last1=Chung |first1=Lawrence |title=From rank outsider to mayor of Kaohsiung: meet the man who wooed Taiwan's electorate |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/2174915/rank-outsider-mayor-kaohsiung-meet-man-who-wooed-taiwans |access-date=26 November 2018 |work=South China Morning Post |date=25 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006004021/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/2174915/rank-outsider-mayor-kaohsiung-meet-man-who-wooed-taiwans |archive-date=6 October 2019 |url-status=live }} on 17 June 1957.{{cite news |script-title=zh:他發起「祝韓國瑜生日」網友引用金句祝福有夠酸！ |url=https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/politics/breakingnews/2825237 |access-date=17 June 2019 |work=Liberty Times |date=17 June 2019 |language=zh |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617162327/https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/politics/breakingnews/2825237 |archive-date=17 June 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |script-title=zh:一句話祝韓生日…網友吉祥話超級酸！ |url=https://tw.news.yahoo.com/%E5%8F%A5%E8%A9%B1%E7%A5%9D%E9%9F%93%E7%94%9F%E6%97%A5-%E7%B6%B2%E5%8F%8B%E5%90%89%E7%A5%A5%E8%A9%B1%E8%B6%85%E7%B4%9A%E9%85%B8-100639179.html |access-date=17 June 2019 |publisher=Yahoo! News Taiwan/Sanlih E-Television |date=17 June 2019 |language=zh |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617162328/https://tw.news.yahoo.com/%25E5%258F%25A5%25E8%25A9%25B1%25E7%25A5%259D%25E9%259F%2593%25E7%2594%259F%25E6%2597%25A5-%25E7%25B6%25B2%25E5%258F%258B%25E5%2590%2589%25E7%25A5%25A5%25E8%25A9%25B1%25E8%25B6%2585%25E7%25B4%259A%25E9%2585%25B8-100639179.html |archive-date=17 June 2019 |url-status=live }} He attended {{ill|National Banqiao Primary School|zh|新北市板橋區板橋國民小學}}, followed by {{ill|Paul Hsu Senior High School|zh|桃園市私立光啟高級中學}}, {{ill|New Taipei Municipal Hai-Shan High School|lt=Hai-Shan High School|zh|新北市立海山高級中學}}, and {{ill|Heng Yee Catholic High School|zh|新北市天主教恆毅高級中學}}.{{cite news |title=Han Kuo-yu (3) |url=https://www.ly.gov.tw/EngPages/List.aspx?nodeid=11094 |access-date=29 January 2020 |agency=Legislative Yuan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129202951/https://www.ly.gov.tw/EngPages/List.aspx%3Fnodeid%3D11094 |archive-date=29 January 2020 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Han Kuu-yu (4) |url=https://www.ly.gov.tw/EngPages/List.aspx?nodeid=11327 |access-date=29 January 2020 |agency=Legislative Yuan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129191415/https://www.ly.gov.tw/EngPages/List.aspx%3Fnodeid%3D11327 |archive-date=29 January 2020 |url-status=live }}

Han studied English literature at Soochow University after graduating from the Republic of China Military Academy, and earned a Master of Arts (M.A.) in East Asian studies from the Graduate Institute of East Asian Studies of National Chengchi University in 1988.{{cite news |last1=Yeh |first1=Joseph |title=R.O.C Military Academy celebrates anniversary with military flybys |url=http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201906160004.aspx |access-date=17 June 2019 |agency=Central News Agency |date=16 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616151617/http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201906160004.aspx |archive-date=16 June 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Chung |first1=Lawrence |title=The fall and rise of Taiwan's Han Kuo-yu: a former Kuomintang outcast turns up the heat on Kaohsiung mayoral election rival Chen Chi-mai |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/2173505/fall-and-rise-taiwans-han-kuo-yu-former-kuomintang-outcast-turns |access-date=26 November 2018 |work=South China Morning Post |date=19 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127022644/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/2173505/fall-and-rise-taiwans-han-kuo-yu-former-kuomintang-outcast-turns |archive-date=27 November 2018 |url-status=live }} His master's degree thesis was titled, "A Look at the Negotiations during the 'Two Airlines Uprising' from the Perspective of the Communist Party of China's (United Front) Strategy" (Chinese: {{zh|labels=no|t=從中共「對臺統戰」策略看兩航談判}}).{{cite news|first1=Keoni|last1=Everington|date=27 September 2019|url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3785601|title=Han's 1988 master's thesis critical of China's plans to annex Taiwan, HK extradition|work=Taiwan News|access-date=29 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190928234916/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3785601|archive-date=28 September 2019|url-status=live}} Prior to running for public office, Han worked as a school principal.{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Seok Hwai |title=Battleground Kaohsiung: Han Kuo-yu, KMT's 'very un-KMT' comeback kid |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/kmts-very-un-kmt-comeback-kid-han-kuo-yu |access-date=26 November 2018 |work=The Straits Times |url-access=subscription |date=18 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127022545/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/kmts-very-un-kmt-comeback-kid-han-kuo-yu |archive-date=27 November 2018 |url-status=live }}

From 2001 to 2009, Han studied political science and public administration in Beijing at Peking University, where he was a doctoral Ph.D. student.{{Cite web |date=9 January 2020 |title=投書：韓國瑜在選舉公報上不願揭露的祕密 -- 上報 / 即時戰情 |url=https://www.upmedia.mg/news_info.php?Type=182&SerialNo=79108&utm_source=latest&utm_medium=post |access-date=2025-01-15 |website=Up Media |language=zh}}

Early political career

Han won the Zhonghe seat on the Taipei County Council in 1990, and served until 1993, when he took office as a member of the Legislative Yuan. Han was the founding leader of what became the New Taipei City Hakka Association, serving from 1992 to 1998.{{cite web|url=https://www.hakka-associations.ntpc.gov.tw/files/15-1002-2039,c121-1.php|title=新北市客家同鄉會|publisher=hakka-associations.ntpc.gov.tw|date=15 August 2018}}

=Legislative Yuan=

He was first elected to the Legislative Yuan in 1992 and remained in office until 2002, serving for a time as Kuomintang (KMT) caucus leader.{{cite news|last1=Hsu|first1=Brian|title=Legislature will cooperate to pass emergency decree|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/quake/archives/1999/09/28/0000004304|access-date=12 January 2017|work=Taipei Times|date=28 September 1999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113142028/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/quake/archives/1999/09/28/0000004304|archive-date=13 January 2017|url-status=live}} As a legislator, he became known for his combative personality,{{cite news|title=Han Kuo-yu announces bid for KMT chairmanship|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2017/01/13/2003663012|access-date=13 January 2017|work=Taipei Times|date=13 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113164947/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2017/01/13/2003663012|archive-date=13 January 2017|url-status=live}} most famously assaulting, and landing in hospital in the 1990s, the opposition legislator and future president Chen Shui-bian in the Legislative Yuan on one occasion.{{cite news|title=Han Kuo-yu is back and KMT power players need to take notice|url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4411685|access-date=18 January 2024|work=Taiwan News|date=16 January 2022}} For their support of the construction of the Lungmen Nuclear Power Plant, Han, Hung Hsiu-chu, {{ill|Chan Yu-jen|zh|詹裕仁}}, and Lin Chih-chia were targeted with an unsuccessful recall referendum.{{cite news |last1=Huang |first1=Hsin-po |title=IN FOCUS: Uncertainties remain in Han Kuo-yu recall |url=https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2020/06/06/2003737734 |access-date=7 June 2020 |date=6 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606161647/https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2020/06/06/2003737734 |archive-date=6 June 2020 |url-status=live }} Subsequently, Han lost reelection to the legislature in 2001.{{cite news |last1=Yu |first1=Hsiang |last2=Chiang |first2=Yi-ching |title=Rise and fall of Han Kuo-yu, KMT's 'fallen star' |url=https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202006070008 |access-date=7 June 2020 |agency=Central News Agency |date=7 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607072255/https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202006070008 |archive-date=7 June 2020 |url-status=live }} He then served as deputy mayor of Zhonghe under mayor {{ill|Chiu Chui-yi|zh|邱垂益}}.{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=I-chia |title=Ko says Han is not the amateur he claims to be |url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2019/05/30/2003716045 |access-date=30 May 2019 |work=Taipei Times |date=30 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529184302/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2019/05/30/2003716045 |archive-date=29 May 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |script-title=zh:曾任「中和副市長」韓國瑜表現老長官大讚 |url=https://news.tvbs.com.tw/politics/1029951 |access-date=17 June 2019 |publisher=TVBS |date=15 November 2018 |language=zh |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181125070854/https://news.tvbs.com.tw/politics/1029951 |archive-date=25 November 2018 |url-status=live }}

=Taipei Agricultural Products Marketing Corporation=

After leaving politics, Han lived in Yunlin County, in his wife's hometown,{{cite news |script-title=zh:韓國瑜老婆李佳芬出身雲林政治世家 |url=https://news.ebc.net.tw/News/politics/138599 |access-date=24 September 2019 |publisher=東森新聞 EBC News |date=10 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924103702/https://news.ebc.net.tw/News/politics/138599 |archive-date=24 September 2019 |url-status=live }} where he became friendly with former Yunlin County Magistrate {{ill|Chang Jung-wei|zh|張榮味}}. Due to their friendly relationship, Han was believed to be Chang's ally.{{cite news |title=KMT's Han Kuo-Yu provoked controversy amid right to protest |url=https://chinapost.nownews.com/20181105-453968 |access-date=26 November 2018 |work=China Post |date=5 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127064602/https://chinapost.nownews.com/20181105-453968 |archive-date=27 November 2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|last1=Lin|first1=Sean|title=Marketing company upsets Ko|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2016/10/28/2003658090|access-date=12 January 2017|work=Taipei Times|date=28 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113141942/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2016/10/28/2003658090|archive-date=13 January 2017|url-status=live}}

In January 2013, with Chang's support, Han became the general manager of Taipei Agricultural Products Marketing Corporation (TAPMC), a corporation jointly owned by Taipei City and the Council of Agriculture. The TAPMC manages the produce demands of the greater Taipei area.{{cite news|last1=Lin|first1=Sean|title=Produce company fails to elect new president|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2016/10/27/2003658024|access-date=12 January 2017|work=Taipei Times|date=27 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113141944/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2016/10/27/2003658024|archive-date=13 January 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Pan |first1=Jason |title=Han redirected TAPMC revenue: report |url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2019/06/27/2003717672 |access-date=27 June 2019 |work=Taipei Times |date=27 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626180733/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2019/06/27/2003717672 |archive-date=26 June 2019 |url-status=live }}

=2017 KMT chairmanship election=

In January 2017, Han resigned from his position as president of TAPMC to enter that year's Kuomintang chairmanship election.{{cite news|last1=Lin|first1=Sean|title=Han resigns, fueling rumors of candidacy|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2017/01/12/2003662953|access-date=12 January 2017|work=Taipei Times|date=12 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170112180423/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2017/01/12/2003662953|archive-date=12 January 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Yiu|first1=Kai-hsiang|last2=Kao|first2=Evelyn|title=New KMT chairmanship bid announced|url=http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201701120010.aspx|access-date=12 January 2017|agency=Central News Agency|date=12 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113164849/http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201701120010.aspx|archive-date=13 January 2017|url-status=live}} He finished fourth in a field of six candidates. Following his loss to Wu Den-yih, Han served as the Kuomintang's Kaohsiung chapter director.

Mayor of Kaohsiung

File:The campaign rally of Han Kuo-yu in Fengshan, Kaohsiung.jpg, Kaohsiung on 17 November 2018.]]

In May 2018, Han won the Kuomintang's Kaohsiung mayoral primary, defeating rival Chen Yi-min, and was subsequently nominated as the party's mayoral candidate.{{cite news |last1=Hsu |first1=Stacy |title=Kaohsiung chapter director wins KMT mayoral primary |url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2018/05/22/2003693506 |access-date=20 November 2018 |work=Taipei Times |date=22 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121022006/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2018/05/22/2003693506 |archive-date=21 November 2018 |url-status=live }}

During the initial campaign stage, he received almost no support from the party as he was seen as unlikely to win the election due to the traditionally deep-rooted Democratic Progressive Party presence in Kaohsiung. However, his popularity soared within months during the campaign period,{{cite news|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/2174915/rank-outsider-mayor-kaohsiung-meet-man-who-wooed-taiwans|first1=Lawrence|last1=Chung|date=26 November 2018|title=From rank outsider to mayor of Kaohsiung: meet the man who wooed Taiwan's electorate|work=South China Morning Post|access-date=28 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006004021/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/2174915/rank-outsider-mayor-kaohsiung-meet-man-who-wooed-taiwans|archive-date=6 October 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Shan |first1=Shelley |title=2018 ELECTIONS: NEWSMAKER: 'Han Wave' secures candidate's future |url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2018/11/21/2003704641 |access-date=21 November 2018 |work=Taipei Times |date=21 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121022034/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2018/11/21/2003704641 |archive-date=21 November 2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Ko |first1=Yu-hao |last2=Wang |first2=Jung-hsiang |title=ELECTIONS: 'We Care' rally planned in Kaohsiung |url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2018/11/17/2003704390 |access-date=21 November 2018 |work=Taipei Times |date=17 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215090517/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2018/11/17/2003704390 |archive-date=15 February 2020 |url-status=live }} a phenomenon which has been termed "Hánliú" ({{zh|labels=no|t=韓流}}). The main focus of his campaign was on the air pollution and economic growth of Kaohsiung.{{cite news |last1=Huang |first1=Kristin |title=At the Taiwan polls, social media-savvy daughter turns her outsider father into KMT's brightest hope |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/2175078/taiwan-polls-social-media-savvy-daughter-turned-her-outsider |access-date=29 November 2018 |work=South China Morning Post |date=26 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129212522/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/2175078/taiwan-polls-social-media-savvy-daughter-turned-her-outsider |archive-date=29 November 2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201811250003.aspx|title=KMT's Han Kuo-yu wins Kaohsiung mayoral election|agency=Central News Agency|first1=Elizabeth|last1=Hsu|date=25 November 2018|access-date=28 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128033142/http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201811250003.aspx|archive-date=28 November 2018|url-status=live}}

Despite his claims of having minimal support for his Kaohsiung election, accordingly to paperwork filed with the Central Election Commission, Han received and spent the most compared to the other mayoral races in Taiwan. Campaign contributions totaled NT$129,149,779 (US$4,304,992) and expenses totaled NT$140,873,536 (US$4,695,784). The amounts exceeded the NT$88,841,000 cap placed by election rules.{{Cite news|url=https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/politics/breakingnews/2774070|script-title=zh:韓國瑜逾億競選經費超過中選會規範上限他批：違法還大聲|date=29 April 2019|work=Liberty Times|language=zh-Hant-TW|access-date=20 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191020224053/https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/politics/breakingnews/2774070|archive-date=20 October 2019|url-status=live}}

Han defeated Chen Chi-mai in local elections held on 24 November 2018, and became the first mayor of Kaohsiung affiliated with the Kuomintang since Wu Den-yih left office in 1998.{{cite news |last1=Hsu |first1=Stacy |last2=Lin |first2=Sean |last3=Lee |first3=I-chia |title=2018 ELECTIONS: Lai offers to resign as DPP routed |url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2018/11/25/2003704879 |access-date=25 November 2018 |work=Taipei Times |date=25 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124222222/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2018/11/25/2003704879 |archive-date=24 November 2018 |url-status=live }} The success of the KMT during the elections has been attributed to Han's popularity.{{cite news |last1=Hsu |first1=Stacy |title=Han Kuo-yu key to KMT victory |url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2018/11/26/2003704948 |access-date=29 November 2018 |work=Taipei Times |date=26 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129184316/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2018/11/26/2003704948 |archive-date=29 November 2018 |url-status=live }}

File:Kaohsiung 2018.png

The day after he won the mayoral election, Han invited Foxconn to invest in Kaohsiung.{{cite news|url=http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aeco/201811260012.aspx|first1=Jung-feng|last1=Chung|first2=Frances|last2=Huang|date=26 November 2018|title=Mayor-elect invites Hon Hai to invest in Kaohsiung|agency=Central News Agency|access-date=28 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128075345/http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aeco/201811260012.aspx|archive-date=28 November 2018|url-status=live}} In addition, he sought fluent English speakers to fill vacancies in his administration pertaining to promotion and public relations.{{cite news|url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3584484|first1=Matthew|last1=Strong|date=27 November 2018|title=Kaohsiung mayor-elect turns down invitation from Foxconn chief to visit China|work=Taiwan News|access-date=28 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127160207/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3584484|archive-date=27 November 2018|url-status=live}} Han expressed support for the 1992 consensus and stated that he would form committees dedicated to Cross-Strait relations.{{cite news |last1=Chung |first1=Lawrence |title=After Taiwan polls, Kaohsiung's new mayor will lead charge on mainland-friendly policy |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/2175465/after-taiwan-polls-kaohsiungs-new-mayor-will-lead-charge |access-date=29 November 2018 |work=South China Morning Post |date=29 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128210725/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/2175465/after-taiwan-polls-kaohsiungs-new-mayor-will-lead-charge |archive-date=28 November 2018 |url-status=live }} On 3 December 2018, it was announced that former Transportation and Communications minister Yeh Kuang-shih would be Han's deputy mayor. Lee Shu-chuan was appointed as a second deputy mayor on 15 December 2018.{{cite news|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2018/12/17/2003706274|first1=Jung-hsiang|last1=Wang|first2=Hsiao-tung|last2=Lai|date=17 December 2018|title=New Taipei City official to be Han's deputy|work=Taipei Times|access-date=25 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217121903/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2018/12/17/2003706274|archive-date=17 December 2018|url-status=live}}

Han was inaugurated on 25 December 2018. During the ceremony, he promised to promote Kaohsiung products, facilitate the inflow of money to the city, pay off the city's debt and invest in future generations via bilingual education.{{cite news|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2018/12/26/2003706811|first1=Stacy|last1=Hsu|date=26 December 2018|title=Mayors, commissioners sworn in for new terms|work=Taipei Times|access-date=26 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225193758/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2018/12/26/2003706811|archive-date=25 December 2018|url-status=live}}

On 24 February 2019, Han began a five-day trip to Malaysia and Singapore to discuss business and tourism opportunities for Kaohsiung, his first official overseas visit as mayor.{{cite news|first1=Rui-chi|last1=Wu|first2=Chao-fu|last2=Chen|first3=Elizabeth|last3=Hsu|date=24 February 2019|title=Kaohsiung mayor departs for visit to Malaysia, Singapore|agency=Central News Agency|url=http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201902240005.aspx|access-date=1 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501083152/http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201902240005.aspx|archive-date=1 May 2019|url-status=live}}

In March 2019, Han and a delegation of municipal officials visited Hong Kong, Macau and Mainland China for a seven-day trip to discuss agriculture. Members of the delegation included Han and his wife, deputy mayor Yeh Kuang-shih, and ten Kaohsiung City Councilors.{{cite news|first1=Kris|last1=Cheng|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/03/22/taiwans-kaohsiung-mayor-han-guo-yu-meets-hong-kong-chief-exec-citys-top-beijing-official/|title=Taiwan's Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu meets Hong Kong Chief Exec. and city's top Beijing official|date=22 March 2019|work=Hong Kong Free Press|access-date=24 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323140615/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/03/22/taiwans-kaohsiung-mayor-han-guo-yu-meets-hong-kong-chief-exec-citys-top-beijing-official/|archive-date=23 March 2019|url-status=live}} In Hong Kong, Han met with Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam at the Government House, followed by a visit to the Hong Kong Liaison Office, where he met with the office director Wang Zhimin, making him the first ROC politician to ever visit the liaison office,{{cite news|first1=Chun-chung|last1=Chen|first2=Kai-hsiang|last2=Yu|first3=Flor|last3=Wang|date=27 March 2019|url=http://focustaiwan.tw/news/acs/201903270012.aspx|title=Han's visits to Beijing offices 'politically sensitive': MAC|agency=Central News Agency|access-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327134545/http://focustaiwan.tw/news/acs/201903270012.aspx|archive-date=27 March 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite news|first1=Xinqi|last1=Su|first2=Toney|last2=Cheung|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3002909/pineapple-politics-beijing-friendly-taiwanese-mayor-han-kuo|title=Pineapples over politics as Taiwanese mayor makes historic Hong Kong visit|date=22 March 2019|work=South China Morning Post|access-date=24 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323161804/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3002909/pineapple-politics-beijing-friendly-taiwanese-mayor-han-kuo|archive-date=23 March 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite news|first1=Tammy|last1=Tam|url=https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/asia/article/3003035/what-hong-kong-can-learn-kaohsiung-mayor-han-kuo-yus|title=What Hong Kong can learn from Han Kuo-yu's openness and flexibility|date=24 March 2019|work=South China Morning Post|access-date=24 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324095207/https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/asia/article/3003035/what-hong-kong-can-learn-kaohsiung-mayor-han-kuo-yus|archive-date=24 March 2019|url-status=live}} a move that was criticized by the opposition DPP as promoting unification under "one country, two systems."{{cite news|first1=Zong-han|last1=Miao|first2=Su-ping|last2=Yeh|first3=Kuei-hsiang|last3=Wen|first4=Stanley|last4=Cheung|first5=Ko|last5=Lin|date=23 March 2019|url=http://focustaiwan.tw/news/acs/201903230013.aspx|title=Tsai, DPP slams Kaohsiung mayor over meeting with China official|agency=Central News Agency|access-date=24 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323180431/http://focustaiwan.tw/news/acs/201903230013.aspx|archive-date=23 March 2019|url-status=live}} In Macau, he met with the Macau Chief Executive Fernando Chui to discuss public health and sign a trade agreement between the two cities.{{cite news|work=China Daily|first1=Bingcun|last1=Li|date=25 March 2019|url=http://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201903/25/WS5c982fbaa3104842260b248d.html|title=Mayor from Taiwan lines up business in HK, Macao|access-date=25 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325083304/http://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201903/25/WS5c982fbaa3104842260b248d.html|archive-date=25 March 2019|url-status=live}} He also visited the Macau Liaison Office and had a dinner with the liaison office's director Fu Ziying.{{cite news|date=25 March 2019|url=https://macaunews.mo/kaohsiung-mayor-meets-liaison-chief-and-chief-executive/|title=Kaohsiung mayor meets liaison chief and Chief Executive|publisher=Macau News|access-date=25 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325085111/https://macaunews.mo/kaohsiung-mayor-meets-liaison-chief-and-chief-executive/|archive-date=25 March 2019|url-status=live}} In Shenzhen, Han met with Taiwan Affairs Office Director Liu Jieyi and Shenzhen Communist Party Secretary Wang Weizhong.{{cite news|first1=Kristin|last1=Huang|date=25 March 2019|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3003186/senior-chinese-officials-give-taiwanese-politician-han-kuo-yu|title=Senior Chinese officials give Taiwanese politician Han Kuo-yu the red carpet treatment on 'non-political' tour of mainland|work=South China Morning Post|access-date=25 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325105207/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3003186/senior-chinese-officials-give-taiwanese-politician-han-kuo-yu|archive-date=25 March 2019|url-status=live}} The total value of trade deals signed during Han's visit totaled NT$5.2 billion.{{cite web |last1=Chung |first1=Li-hua |last2=Hetherington |first2=William |title=HAN KUO-YU: Deals set up by Beijing: report |url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2019/03/28/2003712329 |website=Taipei Times |date=28 March 2019 |access-date=5 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218131736/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2019/03/28/2003712329 |archive-date=18 December 2019 |url-status=live }}

On 9 April 2019, Han embarked on a nine-day visit to the United States, where he visited Boston, Los Angeles, and Silicon Valley. During the trip, Han sought to encourage American investment in Kaohsiung. He met with Congresspeople Ted Lieu and Judy Chu and also Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Nina Hachigian.{{cite news |last1=Chung |first1=Lawrence |title=Taiwanese mayor Han Kuo-yu heads to US as he seeks to boost profile |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3005272/taiwanese-mayor-han-kuo-yu-heads-us-he-seeks-boost-profile |access-date=3 May 2019 |work=South China Morning Post |date=8 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503063349/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3005272/taiwanese-mayor-han-kuo-yu-heads-us-he-seeks-boost-profile |archive-date=3 May 2019 |url-status=live }} Han also gave talks at Harvard University and Stanford University.{{cite news |last1=Lu |first1=Yi-hsuan |title=Kaohsiung mayor departs for US trip ahead of schedule |url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2019/04/10/2003713135 |access-date=3 May 2019 |work=Taipei Times |date=10 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501084623/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2019/04/10/2003713135 |archive-date=1 May 2019 |url-status=live }}

=Recall=

Han returned to Kaohsiung and resumed mayoral duties on 13 January 2020.{{cite news |last1=Maxon |first1=Ann |title=Han returns to mayor job |url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2020/01/14/2003729221 |access-date=14 January 2020 |work=Taipei Times |date=14 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115153354/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2020/01/14/2003729221 |archive-date=15 January 2020 |url-status=live }} On 17 January 2020, a petition to recall Han cleared the first threshold with 28,560 signatures, exceeding the required 1% of the electorate (22,814 signatures).{{cite news|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2020/01/19/2003729515|title=Petition to recall Han passes first hurdle: CEC|work=Taipei Times|date=19 January 2020|access-date=20 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220045405/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2020/01/19/2003729515|archive-date=20 February 2020|url-status=live}} On 7 April, the city's electoral commission verified that 377,662 of approximately 406,000 signatures collected in the second phase of the recall petition were valid, clearing the threshold of 10% of the electorate, setting the stage for a recall vote in June.{{cite news|url=https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202004070020|agency=Central News Agency|date=7 April 2020|title=Petition to recall Han passes second stage, vote likely in June|last1=Wang|first1=Shwu-fen|last2=Liu|first2=Kuang-ting|last3=Yeh|first3=Joseph|access-date=7 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407235944/https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202004070020|archive-date=7 April 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2020/02/20/2003731313|title=Signatures for petition to recall Han pass 450,000|last=Shih|first=Hsiao-kuang|work=Taipei Times|date=20 February 2020|access-date=20 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220045403/http://taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2020/02/20/2003731313|archive-date=20 February 2020|url-status=live}} Though he urged his supporters to boycott the vote, he was recalled with 40% of voters turning out, and 97% voting in favor of the recall.{{Cite news|last1=Horton|first1=Chris|last2=Chang Chien|first2=Amy|date=6 June 2020|title=Voters in Taiwan Oust a Pro-China Mayor|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/06/world/asia/taiwan-recall-mayor.html|access-date=6 June 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606170025/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/06/world/asia/taiwan-recall-mayor.html|archive-date=6 June 2020|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Wong|first=Chun Han|date=6 June 2020|title=Taiwan Voters Throw China-Friendly Mayor Out of Office|work=The Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/taiwan-voters-throw-china-friendly-mayor-out-of-office-11591442733|url-status=live|access-date=6 June 2020|issn=0099-9660|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606140224/https://www.wsj.com/articles/taiwan-voters-throw-china-friendly-mayor-out-of-office-11591442733|archive-date=6 June 2020}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.economist.com/asia/2020/06/13/a-china-friendly-politician-is-humiliated-in-taiwan |newspaper=The Economist |date=13 June 2020 |access-date=11 June 2020 |title=A China-Friendly Politician Is Humiliated in Taiwan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611191114/https://www.economist.com/asia/2020/06/13/a-china-friendly-politician-is-humiliated-in-taiwan |archive-date=11 June 2020 |url-status=live }}

2020 presidential campaign

Soon after Han took office as mayor, support for Han as a candidate for the 2020 Taiwan presidential election began to build.{{cite news |last1=Hsu |first1=Stacy |title=Han mum while calls to run rise |url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2019/02/03/2003709183 |access-date=6 June 2019 |work=Taipei Times |date=3 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606055606/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2019/02/03/2003709183 |archive-date=6 June 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Strong |first1=Matthew |title=Supporters of KMT mayor of Kaohsiung rally in Taiwan capital |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3715345 |access-date=6 June 2019 |work=Taiwan News |date=1 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608070817/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3715345 |archive-date=8 June 2019 |url-status=live }} Han initially refused calls for him to contest the election,{{cite news |last1=Huang |first1=Tzu-ti |title=Kaohsiung Mayor Han is 'not running for president' in 2020 |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3655561 |access-date=6 June 2019 |work=Taiwan News |date=11 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606020458/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3655561 |archive-date=6 June 2019 |url-status=live }} and later stated that he would not participate in the 2019 Kuomintang presidential primary.{{cite news |last1=Everington |first1=Keoni |title=Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu passes on KMT primary, hints at presidential bid |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3686179 |access-date=6 June 2019 |work=Taiwan News |date=23 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424095725/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3686179 |archive-date=24 April 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Han Kuo-yu declines to join KMT primary |url=https://chinapost.nownews.com/20190423-552497 |access-date=6 June 2019 |work=China Post |date=23 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606020459/https://chinapost.nownews.com/20190423-552497 |archive-date=6 June 2019 |url-status=live }} A week after that statement, Han said that he would abide by Kuomintang's primary process, opening the door for his potential nomination as a presidential candidate.{{cite news |last1=Lin |first1=Sean |title=Han agrees to respect KMT mechanism |url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2019/05/01/2003714338 |access-date=6 June 2019 |work=Taipei Times |date=1 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501085128/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2019/05/01/2003714338 |archive-date=1 May 2019 |url-status=live }} On 5 June 2019, Han announced that he would stand in the Kuomintang presidential primary.{{cite news |last1=Chung |first1=Lawrence |title=Kaoshiung mayor Han Kuo-yu enters Taiwan's presidential race |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3013261/kaoshiung-mayor-han-kuo-yu-enters-taiwans-presidential-race |access-date=6 June 2019 |work=South China Morning Post |date=5 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606020500/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3013261/kaoshiung-mayor-han-kuo-yu-enters-taiwans-presidential-race |archive-date=6 June 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Maxon |first1=Ann |title=Han Kuo-yu agrees to join KMT primary |url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2019/06/06/2003716439 |access-date=6 June 2019 |work=Taipei Times |date=6 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606011219/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2019/06/06/2003716439 |archive-date=6 June 2019 |url-status=live }} Han registered for the primary three days after his announcement.{{cite news |last1=Wang |first1=Chun-chi |last2=Yu |first2=Tai-lang |last3=Chung |first3=Jake |title=Han officially announces run in KMT primary |url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2019/06/09/2003716607 |access-date=9 June 2019 |date=9 June 209 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190609000410/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2019/06/09/2003716607 |archive-date=9 June 2019 |url-status=live }} Han scheduled five rallies for the primary, with the last one held on 8 July in Hsinchu City.{{cite news|first1=Ann|last1=Maxon|date=6 September 2019|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2019/09/06/2003721813|title=Han to hold first rally on Sunday|work=Taipei Times|access-date=1 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001021448/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2019/09/06/2003721813|archive-date=1 October 2019|url-status=live}} On 15 July, he won the Kuomintang presidential primary{{cite news|first1=Joseph|last1=Yeh|date=15 July 2019|url=http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201907150007.aspx|title=Han Kuo-yu wins KMT primary for 2020 presidential race (update)|agency=Central News Agency|access-date=15 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715101147/http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201907150007.aspx|archive-date=15 July 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Maxon |first1=Ann |title=Han wins KMT primary |url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2019/07/16/2003718743 |access-date=16 July 2019 |work=Taipei Times |date=16 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716025932/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2019/07/16/2003718743 |archive-date=16 July 2019 |url-status=live }} and was formally nominated as the Kuomintang presidential candidate on 28 July 2019.{{cite news |last1=Lim |first1=Emerson |title=Han Kuo-yu formally nominated as KMT presidential candidate |url=http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201907280004.aspx |access-date=29 July 2019 |agency=Central News Agency |date=28 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729013746/http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201907280004.aspx |archive-date=29 July 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Maxon |first1=Ann |title=Han named KMT's 2020 candidate |url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2019/07/29/2003719525 |access-date=29 July 2019 |work=Taipei Times |date=29 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729015417/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2019/07/29/2003719525 |archive-date=29 July 2019 |url-status=live }}

Han held a presidential election rally on 8 September 2019 at Xingfu Shuiyang Park (Chinese:幸福水漾公園) in Sanchong District, New Taipei, with former president Ma Ying-jeou and KMT chairperson Wu Den-yih in attendance. Han conveyed four main points of his campaign platform, which were to defend the Republic of China, to love Chinese culture, to uphold freedom and democracy and to never forget the struggling people.{{cite news|first1=Duncan|last1=DeAeth|date=9 September 2019|url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3773147|title=Han Kuo-yu offers core campaign message at mass rally in New Taipei|work=Taiwan News|access-date=1 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001022951/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3773147|archive-date=1 October 2019|url-status=live}} He began a three-month leave of absence despite having serving only six months of his term to focus on his presidential campaign, delegating mayoral duties to Yeh Kuang-shih from 15 October 2019.{{cite news |last1=Maxon |first1=Ann |title=Han takes leave to focus on his presidential run |url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2019/10/16/2003724018 |access-date=16 October 2019 |work=Taipei Times |date=16 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191015174112/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2019/10/16/2003724018 |archive-date=15 October 2019 |url-status=live }} Some media outlet dubbed Han the "Taiwanese Trump" for his outspoken attitude and similar conservative political positions to American president Donald Trump.{{cite news |title=The Rise and Rapid Fall of Han Kuo-yu |url=https://thediplomat.com/2020/03/the-rise-and-rapid-fall-of-han-kuo-yu/ |work=The Diplomat |access-date=17 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320121520/https://thediplomat.com/2020/03/the-rise-and-rapid-fall-of-han-kuo-yu/ |archive-date=20 March 2020 |url-status=live }} On 11 November 2019, Han officially picked former premier Chang San-cheng as his running mate for the election.{{cite news|first1=Pei-ju|last1=Teng|date=11 November 2019|url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3814599|title=Taiwan's KMT presidential candidate selects ex premier as running mate|work=Taiwan News|access-date=11 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111090301/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3814599|archive-date=11 November 2019|url-status=live}} The Kuomintang ticket completed registration for the election on 18 November 2019.{{cite news |last1=Lim |first1=Emerson |last2=Yeh |first2=Joseph |title=KMT presidential candidates register for January 2020 election |url=http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201911180014.aspx |access-date=18 November 2019 |agency=Central News Agency |date=18 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119011124/http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201911180014.aspx |archive-date=19 November 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Maxon |first1=Ann |title=2020 ELECTIONS: Han registers for presidential election |url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2019/11/19/2003726118 |access-date=19 November 2019 |work=Taipei Times |date=19 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119035636/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2019/11/19/2003726118 |archive-date=19 November 2019 |url-status=live }} Han and Chang finished second in the presidential election to incumbent president Tsai Ing-wen and her running mate William Lai.{{cite news |last1=Maxon |first1=Ann |title=2020 Elections: Han Kuo-yu concedes race as KMT leadership resigns |url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2020/01/12/2003729110 |access-date=12 January 2020 |work=Taipei Times |date=12 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116192332/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2020/01/12/2003729110 |archive-date=16 January 2020 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Yang |first1=Chun-hui |last2=Shih |first2=Hsiao-kuang |last3=Lin |first3=Liang-sheng |title=2020 Elections: Tsai wins by a landslide |url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2020/01/12/2003729107 |access-date=12 January 2020 |work=Taipei Times |date=12 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115173904/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2020/01/12/2003729107 |archive-date=15 January 2020 |url-status=live }}

President of the Legislative Yuan

File:Lai Ching-te accepting the Seal of Honour from Han Kuo-yu 2024-05-20.jpg to Lai Ching-te during his presidential inauguration]]

In November 2023, Han was ranked first on the Kuomintang's proportional representation party list for the 2024 legislative election.{{cite news |last1=Yeh |first1=Joseph |title=ELECTION 2024/Former Kaohsiung mayor tops KMT legislator-at-large list |url=https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202311190005 |access-date=19 November 2023 |agency=Central News Agency |date=19 November 2023}} Republished as: {{cite news |title=Han Kuo-yu tops the KMT's legislator list |url=https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2023/11/20/2003809438 |access-date=20 November 2023 |work=Taipei Times |date=20 November 2023}} Weeks before taking office in the 11th Legislative Yuan, Han declared interest in contesting the speakership.{{cite news |last1=Shan |first1=Shelley |title=Han Kuo-yu to run for speaker |url=https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2024/01/19/2003812309 |access-date=19 January 2024 |work=Taipei Times |date=19 January 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Liu |first1=Kuan-ting |last2=Su |first2=Lung-chi |last3=Matthew |first3=Mazzetta |title=KMT's Han Kuo-yu announces run for speaker, is open to TPP deputy |url=https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202401180014 |access-date=19 January 2024 |agency=Central News Agency |date=18 January 2024}} Han won the Yuan President election with 54 votes.{{cite news |last1=Hsiao |first1=Alison |title=KMT's Han Kuo-yu elected Legislative speaker, backed by 2 independents |url=https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202402010008 |access-date=1 February 2024 |agency=Central News Agency |date=1 February 2024}}

Public image

= Philanthropy =

Han is an active participant in philanthropy. After his unsuccessful presidential bid in 2020, Han donated NT$6 million of campaign funds to charity organizations, including NT$1 million to his running mate’s foundation.{{Cite web |last=TVBS |title=韓國瑜總統大選失利做公益捐600萬給慈善團體│TVBS新聞網 |url=https://news.tvbs.com.tw/politics/1560167 |access-date=2024-02-21 |website=TVBS |language=zh-tw}} Following his recall as Kaohsiung mayor, he appeared at a meet-and-greet announce his appointment as president of the Dianliang Foundation and to promote his new book, which aims to improve bilingual education in elementary schools and provide support to elderly citizens.{{Cite web |title=典亮慈善基金會 - 典亮送暖 |url=https://www.dianliang.org.tw/warm-heart |access-date=2024-02-21 |website=www.dianliang.org.tw}}{{cite news|title=【獨家】韓國瑜新身分曝光！接任「典亮慈善基金會」董事長今宣傳新書會粉絲|url=https://www.upmedia.mg/news_info.php?Type=1&SerialNo=134154|work=Up Media|language=zh-tw|date=2 January 2022}} The foundation was commended by the ROC Veteran Affairs Council for its services provided to ROCAF veterans.{{Cite web |url=https://www.vac.gov.tw/cp-1059-141071-216.html |access-date=2024-02-21 |website=www.vac.gov.tw |title=112.02.01 寒冬送暖傳遞愛心-財團法人台北市典亮慈善基金會捐贈毛帽毛襪溫暖榮家住民 |date=2 February 2023 }}

=Violent incidents and alleged ties to organized crime=

Han committed several violent acts in his tenure as Taipei County councillor and then Legislative Yuan member. On 16 November 1990, during then-Taipei County magistrate You Ching's presentation, Han threw a thermos at You then ran toward the podium and attempted to choke him.{{cite news|title=韓國瑜《跟著月亮走》：如果時光倒流，我不會用那種方式問政|url=https://www.thenewslens.com/article/113519|work=The News Lens|date=14 February 2019|access-date=3 February 2024|language=zh-tw}} In 1993, Han assaulted Democratic Progressive Party legislator and future president Chen Shui-bian, leaving Chen hospitalized for three days. Han later apologized for the violent act.{{cite news|last=He|first=Che-hsin|title=人物／曾把阿扁打到住院三天！韓國瑜睽違國會22年終登院長寶座|url=https://www.nownews.com/news/6357320|work=NOWnews|date=1 February 2024|access-date=3 February 2024|language=zh-tw}}

In 1993, following a shooting at a gang leader’s funeral, Han accompanied a gang member who claimed to turn himself in to a police station. Investigators found that the gang member was taking the blame for someone else and obstructing justice. Han denied he had any culpability in the case.{{cite news|title=韓國瑜帶小弟「人頭頂罪案」媒體人批：害死4個警察|url=https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/politics/breakingnews/2567661|work=Liberty Times|date=2 October 2018|access-date=3 February 2024|language=zh-tw}}

Days leading up to the 2020 election to recall Han as Kaohsiung mayor, National Police Agency director-general Chen Chia-chin stated that there were rumors that gang members were expected to be at voting stations to intimidate and suppress voters. The Kaohsiung Police confirmed there was information about the alleged voter suppression. However, Chen, in a separate press conference, noted that the alleged involvement with organized crime was not substantiated by evidence and was a rumor.{{Cite web |date=2020-06-11 |title=陳家欽爆黑道監票韓國瑜震驚 {{!}} 罷韓案投票倒數 {{!}} 要聞 {{!}} 聯合新聞網 |url=https://udn.com/news/story/120934/4592934 |access-date=2024-02-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611233036/https://udn.com/news/story/120934/4592934 |archive-date=11 June 2020 }} In response, Han suggested that the National Police Agency form an investigative task force.{{cite news|last=Yuan|first=Ting-yao|title=聞陳家欽「黑道監票」說韓國瑜：麻煩署長成立專案小組調查|url= https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20200526004695-260407?chdtv|work=China Times|date=26 May 2020|access-date=3 February 2024|language=zh-tw}} No evidence suggesting Han's involvement were reported following the recall; some sources criticized DPP's abuse of executive powers in its attempt to obstruct the voting process.{{Cite web |title= 黑衣人監票！警政署長作球綠營爽歪歪 - 政治|date=28 May 2020 |url=https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20200527006404-260407?chdtv}}

Personal life

Han is married to Lee Chia-fen, with whom he raised three children. In January 2022, Han published a collection of short stories and established the Light Up Foundation, a charity.{{cite news |last1=Wang |first1=Cheng-chung |last2=Lee |first2=Hsin-Yin |title=Han Kuo-yu makes comeback as author, charity chairman |url=https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202201020012 |access-date=3 January 2022 |agency=Central News Agency |date=2 January 2022}}