According to a report by the Neue Zürcher Zeitung, Freddy Lim has been appointed as Taiwan's new representative to Finland, attracting significant attention from the music industry. At 49, Lim is best known outside of Taiwan as the vocalist of the heavy metal band ‘Chthonic’, which he co-founded with classmates in 1995, known for his distinctive look and spirited performances.
However, Lim's appointment is not solely based on his musical talents. After the 2014 student protests, he entered politics, serving as a legislator first for the newly-formed party ‘New Power Party’, later re-elected as an independent. His electoral district was long dominated by the pro-China Kuomintang, and Lim's strong criticism of China has made him a staunch advocate for Taiwan's independence.
Moreover, Lim's experience as a human rights advocate also strengthens his critical stance towards China. He previously served as the head of Amnesty International's Taiwan office. He has called for support for all groups resisting Chinese oppression, making him an unwelcome figure in Beijing. This appointment reflects Taiwan's careful balance in diplomacy, especially given that it currently has only 12 formal diplomatic allies.