By RK Shih/KHT Staff. Image via Ko Chih-en FB page.
KAOHSIUNG — The campaign office of Kuomintang (KMT) Kaohsiung mayoral candidate Ko Chih-en (柯志恩) on June 17 defended her “Concert Economy 2.0” proposal, saying criticism from Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) council candidates overlooked the city government’s own plans to charge rental fees for major concerts.
Ko’s office said the city government had already indicated earlier this year that it was preparing a fee system for concerts held at the National Stadium (國家體育場), also known as the World Games Main Stadium (世運主場館).
The response came after DPP council candidates criticized Ko’s proposal as shortsighted. Ko’s office said the criticism was inconsistent with the policy direction already discussed by the city government under Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁).
Ko’s office spokesperson said the Sports Development Bureau (運動發展局) told the city council in January that it was drafting a fee system for National Stadium concerts and could begin charging rental fees later this year.
Hsieh said the current deputy mayor and the Cultural Affairs Bureau (文化局) had previously assessed that charging fees would have a limited impact on major artists’ willingness to perform in the city.
Ko’s proposal calls for venue fees to be used as an incentive to encourage real-name ticket purchasing, with the stated goal of reducing ticket scalping and protecting fans. Her campaign has also proposed linking concerts with certified “friendly lodging” programs and local travel packages.
Her office said the proposal was intended to turn short-term concert crowds into longer-term tourism benefits, while addressing concerns over hotel price spikes, improper overcharging, and booking cancellations during major events.
Ko’s campaign said her DPP challenger for mayor should present more specific proposals on lodging prices and tourism management during major concert periods.
