Chthonic Frontman Freddy Lim Running for Congressman in Taiwan

Some of you may remember that Freddy Lim, frontman for Taiwanese symphonic black metallers Chthonic, started his own political party early this year, the New Power Party. Well, it turns out that the NPP wasn’t just a promotional stunt, as Lim is now running for congressman in Taiwan.

And Lim’s not alone. The NPP, which has its basis in the Sunflower Student Movement, has done very well with young people in Taiwain, who reject the leading KMT party, which has reunification with mainland China among its central tenants. The NPP are advocates of civil liberties, human rights, and keeping Taiwan independent, a theme which has been explored at great lengths through Chthonic’s music.

Whether or not Lim will win remains to be seen. With how much political corruption has existed in China over the past few decades, I worry that he’s DOA, but let’s see. Taiwan is at a really intense political moment here, with elections looming and China really aiming for reunification. Lim’s party could significantly affect cross-strait relations.

Meanwhile, the band has apparently funded their Boxing Day show in Liberty Square–someone must have bought Doris’ unwashed clothing–which is expected to draw around 10,000 people, and should be a big boost to Lim and the NPP.

As always, though, we remind Mr. Lim of the best way to campaign for this election:

[via]