Taipei, Jan. 16 (CNA) There is no need for the Taiwanese teenage star to apologize for holding a Republic of China (Taiwan) flag on a South Korean TV show, which drew anger from mainland China, President Ma Ying-jeou said Saturday.
"She does not need to apologize, and we support her," Ma said, referring to the controversy surrounding Tzuyu (or Chou Tzuyu), the only Taiwanese member of the South Korean girl group Twice.
Ma made the comments when casting his vote for the next president and legislature, adding that any ROC national who is identifying with the country and showing its flag should be supported.
Just hours before the election, a video clip was released in which Tzuyu said that "there is only one China... I have always felt proud of being Chinese."
Reading from a prepared text with her voice shaking, she said that she has "hurt the feelings of the company and netizens due to my inappropriate words and actions during overseas promotions. I feel very, very sorry and guilty."
However, Ma said, Tzuyu's apology is unnecessary. "We cannot accept it," he said.
Meanwhile, DPP Chairwoman and presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen also showed support for the 16-year-old, stressing that her behavior is justified and should not be attacked.
Tsai said when casting her vote that the controversy surrounding Tzuyu is a very serious incident, which has hurt the feelings of the Taiwanese people.
The Taiwanese people should unite and show their stance to the international community, she said.
KMT presidential candidate Eric Chu also denounced Tzuyu's company for making her apologize, saying he felt "painful and sorry" when seeing the video.
Chu also criticized Taiwanese singer Huang An, who is based in China, for referring to Tzuyu as a supporter of Taiwan independence and urging his fans to stand against "anyone endorsed by Taiwanese independence supporters."
Since then, social media sites in China and elsewhere in Asia have been flooded with hate comments against Tzuyu and Twice, while other netizens have been defending Tzuyu, saying she has done nothing wrong.
Meanwhile, Vice President Wu Den-yih also expressed his support for Tzuyu.
"Mainland China has gone way too far," Wu said. "We support (Tzuyu)."
Her apology has raised anger and sympathy from Taiwan and other parts of the world as evidenced by her support on worldwide social media with hashtags such as #StandByYu trending on Twitter and other sites. (Courtesy of CNA)
