Zheng Yi-de Emerges as a Public Favorite Amid Political Scandals
As controversy surrounds the political family of Taiwan legislator Wan Mei-ling in July 2026, social media users are redirecting attention toward Zheng Yi-de, the 19-year-old son of former Democratic Progressive Party legislator Zheng Yun-peng. Frequently dubbed the most excellent second-generation politician, Zheng has garnered significant online praise for his low-key demeanor and public image.
Social Media Response to Political Controversy
Szu Kuang-yang Faces Scrutiny Over Alleged Misconduct
The current public discourse follows a series of allegations involving Szu Kuang-yang, the son of Kuomintang legislator Wan Mei-ling. According to reports, Szu—who is a candidate for Taoyuan City Councilor—has faced intense public scrutiny regarding allegations of school bullying, military service disputes, involvement in underground sports betting, and the use of special political influence for favors. Regarding the specific allegation of evading military service, the Ministry of the Interior stated that it has requested the Taoyuan City Government to conduct an investigation, noting that details remain confidential during the individual case review process.
In response to the negative news cycle, users on the social platform Threads began promoting Zheng Yi-de, known popularly as De-de. One widely circulated post described him as walking human lutein—a colloquial expression used to suggest his presence has a cleansing or soothing effect on the eyes and mind. The post, which featured photos of the 19-year-old, gained significant traction, accumulating massive engagement in likes and views within half a day. The sentiment in the comments was overwhelmingly positive, with users stating, This world is broken and tattered, and we need De-de to sew and mend our hearts, and Finally, we can have a clean feed. Some users even joked that former legislator Zheng Yun-peng has now become De-de’s father, highlighting that the son’s popularity has far exceeded that of typical family members of political figures.
The Rise of Zheng Yi-de During the 2024 Election
Zheng Yi-de Compares to Celebrity Icons During Campaign Appearances
Zheng Yi-de first gained widespread public attention during the 2024 legislative election cycle. While accompanying his father, then-incumbent legislator Zheng Yun-peng, on campaign vehicles, his appearance prompted a surge in interest. His social media following increased by a factor of 50 during that period, and his name frequently appeared among top search queries on Google and various social platforms. The public fascination with his appearance led to comparisons with several well-known celebrities:
- V (Kim Tae-hyung) of the group BTS
- Japanese actor Takashi Kashiwabara
- South Korean actor Cha Eun-woo
- Taiwanese actor Chen Bo-lin
Academic Focus and Low-Profile Lifestyle
Zheng Yi-de Prioritizes Education and Charity Over Entertainment Careers
Despite the intense public interest, Zheng has largely avoided the entertainment industry. A graduate of Taipei’s Yanping High School, he is currently a university student. Reports indicate that he has turned down the majority of entertainment offers to prioritize his education. While there were rumors regarding his potential participation in the talent competition show Atom Boyz 2, he ultimately did not join the program. His public engagements have remained limited, and he continues to maintain a low-key lifestyle, occasionally collaborating on minor print media projects.
Beyond his academic pursuits, Zheng has used his personal influence to engage in charitable activities. His social media activity remains infrequent, maintaining a level of privacy that observers contrast with the highly publicized controversies currently affecting other political families in the region.
Find more reporting in our Entertainment section.
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