The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa Files
Taipei Times “Taiwan in Time”– Han Cheung, the man behind the excellent weekly history newspaper column – A FORMOSA FILES INTERVIEW
Jun 7, 2025
Han Cheung, a Taiwanese-American journalist, shares his journey from writing about Wyoming's Wild West to chronicling Taiwanese history in his column for the Taipei Times. He discusses the challenges of engaging younger audiences with complex historical contexts and the importance of diverse perspectives. Cheung also digs into the balance of historical commentary, highlighting figures like Chiang Kai-shek. Plus, he explores the cultural intersections of music and identity, touching on unique genres like Cantonese sludge metal and their implications for reclaiming heritage.
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Han's Start in Wyoming History
- Han Cheung started his history writing in Rollins, Wyoming, inspired by the town's Wild West legacy.
- He published monthly history articles and a book about local history before continuing history work in Taiwan.
Why Taiwanese History Feels Distant
- Taiwanese history interest declined because older generations avoided sensitive topics like 228.
- History was taught politically, often making it seem boring and irrelevant to everyday life.
The Power of Accessible History
- Understanding Taiwan's difficult past helps appreciate how far the island has come.
- Making history interesting through accessible storytelling can engage more people.