Taiwan MRT Kicking Video: Young Woman’s Attack & Elderly Victim’s Arrest
Sometimes, reality is stranger than fiction. In Taiwan, a 73-year-old woman who made headlines after being kicked by another commuter on the MRT is back in the spotlight – but this time, for all the wrong reasons.
Just weeks ago, social media was buzzing with a video of the elderly passenger. She was seen on a crowded MRT train, where a fellow commuter lashed out and kicked her, sparking outrage online. Many saw her as a victim of elder abuse and rallied behind her, criticizing the attacker and demanding more respect for the elderly in public spaces.
From Victim to Suspect
But the story took a sharp turn. Authorities in Taiwan later confirmed that the same 73-year-old woman has been arrested – not as a victim, but as a suspect. She was reportedly caught shoplifting, and news of her arrest spread almost as quickly as the original train video.
Public Reaction
The case has stirred mixed feelings. On one hand, people feel sympathy because of her age and the way she was treated on the MRT. On the other hand, many are shocked that someone who became a symbol of injustice is now facing charges herself.
Online discussions in Taiwan show a divide: some say her theft should be condemned regardless of age, while others argue that her struggles (whether financial, emotional, or social) may explain why she acted out.
Who Is She?
The woman everyone is suddenly talking about is a 73-year-old known by her surname, Tseng. Most people first noticed her when that MRT video blew up online. Overnight, she became a sort of symbol of how poorly society sometimes treats its elderly.
But Tseng’s story isn’t as straightforward as it first appeared. According to reports, she has a long history of petty theft, and this wasn’t her first run-in with the law. Local outlets in Taiwan say she had already been convicted earlier this year and sentenced to nearly two months in prison. Instead of serving her time, she simply didn’t show up – which eventually pushed the authorities to issue a warrant for her arrest.
That’s why her latest arrest, at a convenience store in Taipei, has been so explosive in the media. To some, she’s still the elderly woman wronged on the train. To others, she’s a repeat offender who dodges punishment and keeps finding herself in trouble.
And maybe that’s what makes her case so captivating. She exists in this strange space between being seen as a victim and being held accountable as a criminal. One day she’s earning public sympathy, the next she’s back in handcuffs.
Who Was the Young Woman?
Actually not much is known about her. From what we know so far, she wasn’t someone with a public profile or a criminal record – just an ordinary commuter who snapped in a moment of anger. In many ways, the young woman became a symbol of generational tension in Taiwan’s busy cities: the stress of crowded trains and the lack of patience across age groups.
EWK is the voice of Explore With Kojo, a global travel platform that goes beyond postcards and tourist hotspots. We explore the real stories, raw truths, and human moments that mainstream travel media often misses. Whether we’re answering your questions, sharing photo essays, or documenting life-changing journeys, our mission is simple: to show the world with heart, honesty, and curiosity.
