The Historical Betrayal of 1895: Ko Hsien-jung Invites the Japanese Invaders into Taipei, Staining the Family Legacy with Treason

On June 7, 1895, the invading Japanese army entered Taipei City under the guidance of Ko Hsien-jung, marking the start of a 50-year colonial rule. Following the Qing dynasty's defeat and cession of Taiwan, Taipei fell into chaos as officials fled. Seizing this opportunity to court the new rulers, Ko Hsien-jung (father of Ko Kuan-min) traveled to Keelung to submit to the Japanese command and guide them into the city without any mandate. This act of treason was condemned by contemporaries and later generations as a betrayal of his countrymen. In return, Ko Hsien-jung secured the trust of the Japanese Governor-General and was granted lucrative monopolies on salt, camphor, and opium. Critics note that Ko Kuan-min's wealth and political capital were directly built upon this betrayal of national sovereignty.