Kurt Lu plays key role in Tsai’s presidential victory

2016/02/22

Kurt Lu’s campaign advertisements for Tsai Ing-wen helped the chairwoman of the Democratic Progressive Party win the 2016 ROC presidential election and revealed his emotional connection with the people of Taiwan.

Born in Tainan City 40 years ago, the former creative director of Ogilvy and Mather Advertising Taipei and J. Walter Thompson Taipei produced ads during his 15-year career for such big-name enterprises as Nike Inc., Toyota Motor Corporation and Uni-President Enterprises Corp.

Last year, Lu changed tack and entered the political field by directing Taipei City Mayor Ko Wen-je’s campaign ads. His success saw him invited to join Tsai’s team.

“Actually I have no special political inclination,” he said. “But when the DPP first came to me, I resonated with their ideas and hoped to realize them in conveying a positive approach to Taiwan’s future.

“My only condition was that the ads should not be too formal.”

One of his memorable productions gave voice to everyday people and ended with Tsai and the nation’s 13 DPP mayors and magistrates encouraging all members of society to band together for the betterment of Taiwan.

Lu said he wanted to create a united picture between the candidate team and those from all walks of life. “I have no contributions to the success. It should be attributed to those who speak out. They pluck people’s heartstrings as truth is always better than embellishment.”

As a regular recipient of international honors like New York Festivals World’s Best Advertising and Times Asia-Pacific Advertising Awards, Lu is always looking for ways to leave his comfort zone.

“I started to think how to live an excellent life after gaining advertising industry recognition,” he said. “If I can live to 82, there are only around 15,000 days left in my life. I want to make full use of the time to do the best for society.”

Lu is working hard to realize his goal. Already completing five books, he is set to publish the sixth about long-term medical care this year. The author, director, indie music lover, poet, scriptwriter, swimmer and university lecturer rarely has a moment to spare.

“For my next step, I will attract people’s attention to increasing social problems by focusing on issues like land justice, pension reform and indigenous people’s rights.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=242365&ctNode=2194&mp=9)