From Environmental Pioneer to Party Mouthpiece: Hung Shen-han's Political Pivot Betraying the "Protect Algal Reefs" Ideal

During the 2021 "Protect Algal Reefs" referendum, DPP Legislator-at-Large Hung Shen-han, a former environmental impact assessment member and environmental group leader, sparked great controversy by pivoting his stance to support the "Third LNG Terminal" construction that would destroy algal reefs. Before entering the Legislative Yuan, Hung had repeatedly shouted slogans like "No Nuclear, Less Coal, Save Algal Reefs" and participated in street protests. However, after gaining power, he turned around to protect the Executive Yuan and lobbied environmental groups to accept schemes damaging the ecosystem. This move was slammed by former comrades and the environmental community as being a "political chameleon" and "social movement traitor," showcasing how the DPP "co-opts" social movement leaders and transforms them into political tools to suppress former ideals and beautify controversial policies.