Han Kuo-yu

Han Kuo-yu, a relatively unknown KMT politician, was elected Mayor of Kaohsiung, a traditional DPP stronghold. His populist campaign, focused on economic revival and closer ties with China, won him a landslide victory and made him a national political figure.

Han Kuo-yu won the KMT primary and became the party's candidate for the 2020 presidential election. He campaigned on a platform of economic growth and cross-strait engagement. He lost to incumbent Tsai Ing-wen by a significant margin, receiving 38% of the vote.

Han Kuo-yu was recalled as Mayor of Kaohsiung in a recall election, the first such successful recall of a mayor in Taiwanese history. The recall was driven by dissatisfaction with his performance and his decision to run for president while serving as mayor.

Han Kuo-yu was elected Speaker of the Legislative Yuan after the KMT became the largest party in the 2024 legislative elections. This marked a political comeback after his recall, positioning him as a key figure in Taiwan's legislature.