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進入《TAIPEI TIMES》 Briton gets ‘Taiwan’ tattooed on face
A man shows his face, tattooed on the forehead with the Chinese characters for Taiwan and on the chin with a pro-Taiwan independence flag, in Kaohsiung yesterday. Photo courtesy of Wei Cheng
ARDENT SUPPORTER: A Kaohsiung foreigner decided to show his support for Taiwanese independence by getting the Chinese characters for ‘Taiwan’ tattooed on his forehead
By Jason Pan / Staff reporter
A Briton living in Kaohsiung has become the talk of the town after appearing in public yesterday with the Chinese characters for “Taiwan” tattooed on his forehead, saying that he regretted having had it done while intoxicated.
Initial reports said that the tattoo was the result of a misunderstanding between the tattooist and a foreigner, who was identified by some media as being British. The Briton reportedly visited a local tattoo shop on Friday after getting drunk and made what he later called a “rash decision.”
A man, who claimed to be a tattoo artist, posted a photo of the Briton’s face online on Saturday, saying that the man came to his shop seeking ways to remove or modify the tattoo.
Because the tattoo covers a large surface of the man’s skin, the tattoo artist said he did not believe that he could manage the task and hence turned to the Internet for help.
The post attracted mixed reactions. Some people criticized the tattooist who tattooed “Taiwan” on the man’s forehead for lacking professionalism and ethical conduct.
The Briton was interviewed by reporters yesterday, saying he “felt embarrassed” and that it was a foolish decision that he regretted.
The Briton has reportedly been living in Taiwan for 13 years with his wife, a Taiwanese, and owns a bar in Kaohsiung.
However, the criticized tattooist, identified as Wei Cheng （韋丞）, told reporters yesterday that there was no misunderstanding, saying that he had double-checked with the client, but that he had seemed sure about his decision.
“Though reeking of alcohol, the man spoke clearly and answered my questions without ambiguity. We discussed where he wanted to place the two characters before I asked him again, ‘Do you really want to tattoo it on your face?’ He insisted that was what he wanted,” Wei said.
It took him two hours to finish the job, Wei said, adding that the man was happy and satisfied with the results.
The Briton said that he was drunk at the time and did not know what he was doing, adding that his wife was furious.
However, he appeared certain of his love for Taiwan.
Speaking in Mandarin to reporters, the Briton said he supports Taiwanese independence and that Taiwan belongs to neither China nor the Republic of China.
He also showcases a tattoo of a pro-independence flag on his arm — and chin.
新聞來源：TAIPEI TIMES
