[MADE IN TAIWAN]
“That’s my seat over there,” Freddy Lim smiles proudly. He points to his prime position in Taiwan’s vast parliamentary auditorium, where every Tuesday and Friday he votes on decisions that affect the lives of 24 million people.
We nod approvingly as we stand next to him, high up in the press gallery, unsure if we’re able to speak while officials down below are attending to the afternoon’s business. “Maybe it’s not so interesting…” he adds modestly, as we quickly amplify our reaction and reassure him that it really, really is.
Three days ago, Freddy was headlining Taiwan’s 50,000-capacity Megaport Music Festival as frontman of Chthonic, the band he founded 20 years ago to fulfil his ambition of metal stardom. Face painted and long hair loose, he led the crowd through some of their biggest songs, many of which reference Taiwan’s history of oppressive rule by Japan and China.
Today, he’s suited and booted in his capacity as an MP for his country’s democratic government, giving us a tour of his other workplace. His life might be a balancing act involving two public faces, but the jobs are surprisingly complementary given his ideals – even if he’s a reluctant leader.
“Music is my dream career, but now I have a duty to serve,” he explains. “I’ve
