Kai Ko is once again in the hot seat after critics questioned whether his family flew to the United States to take advantage of “vaccine tourism.” With the recent outbreak in Taiwan, there’s been a surge in people flying overseas to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Taking to social media to address the issue live, he emphasised that the primary reason for the trip is to relax and to spend time together as a family. However, he also admitted that he is considering the idea of getting vaccinated whilst in the US since they’re already there anyway. Not that he cared about what his bashers were saying though as what’s more important to him are his parent’s happiness and safety. He said, “If you want to scold me, then go ahead!”
As a “young” person, Kai Ko isn’t considered top priority amongst the people who will get vaccinated first in Taiwan. So with him unable to protect his family, coupled with the fact that his mum also suffers from a chronic disease, he said he doesn’t reject the idea of getting his jabs in the US. As for his critics scolding him for his choice, the actor said bluntly that he doesn’t know why people keep attacking him for his decision. “So what if I want to get vaccinated? I didn’t use any of Taiwan’s resources! If I return to Taiwan fully vaccinated, won’t I be a much safer person? I don’t know why I keep being scolded!” As some Netizens have also pointed out, it’s his decision to spend his own money to get vaccinated overseas. At the very least, “it’s much better than those people who jump the queue to get vaccinated” said others.
Prior to jetting off with his parents to the US, Kai Ko had already mentioned the trip his family was planning to take in an earlier live broadcast. He said that with COVID pushing back their yearly family trip twice now and since his schedule is pretty much open with acting gigs on hold, he and his family decided to go ahead with their plans after careful deliberation.
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Anonymous
Some people will always have a reason to complain. It is no one’s business but his and his family’s if he chooses to get vaccinated in the US. He is not using Taiwan’s resources, so if the US doesn’t complain, why should netizens? They should instead be thankful, because it means he and his family will be safer, less risk of catching and spreading the disease, frees up space and time for other people to be vaccinated at no cost to the Taiwanese government. A win-win scenario for everyone.
Lisa
As someone who lives in the US, there’s an abundance of vaccines here and I couldn’t care less whether he comes here to get vaccinated. I rather people come here and get vaccinated instead of letting the vaccines go to waste, because there’s a ton of irrational Americans who refuse to get it. I mean, sure, it’s a sign of his wealth and privilege, but there are way worse things people can do to flaunt their wealth.
Atticus
Let him get it, we have enough vaccines to go around. It’s good for as many people to get vaccinated as possible. I have no clue why anyone would be upset by this.
Laila
There’s so many available vaccines in the US, because not everyone is vaccinated (for personal reasons, for example, pregnancy, etc.), missed/skipped their second shot, nor do they want to get it. If he wants to get the vaccine here, that’s his own business and at his own expense. True, he’s not using Taiwan’s resources so why does it matter? Sure, it sucks for the people of Taiwan who can’t get it and aren’t as privilege to go abroad to get the vaccine but this is his money. He’s doing it for his family too. If the US doesn’t mind him getting his shot here, it’s not any of the c-netizen’s problem to care or think otherwise. I understand they think it’s a form of privilege, but it’s not like he didn’t work for his own money either. He worked for it so he can spend it however he wants. And if he wants to get the vaccine elsewhere, do it. He’s just using the resources available to him.
XZF
I agree. He has the money to come here (USA) to get the vaccines and they are available then it’s nobody’s business. Off the subject a little – many of those people who refused to get the vaccines; they are either anti-vaxxers or Trump’s supporters. Some states are even giving out prizes to get people vaccinated. Unfortunately, those people don’t know how lucky they are to have that privilege because there are millions of people all over the world who wish they can get them. It just tells you that many people don’t count/appreciate their blessings! Sad!