A TSMC engineer, identified as Ah-Ming (pseudonym), engaged in an extramarital affair with a colleague, Xiao-Xue (pseudonym), while on a business trip to the United States. Upon discovering the affair after his return, his wife, Xiao-Mei (pseudonym), filed for divorce and sought damages, citing anxiety, depression, and insomnia caused by her husband’s infidelity. The court has now ruled that Ah-Ming and Xiao-Xue must jointly pay NT$400,000 in compensation.
According to court records, Ah-Ming and Xiao-Mei had been married since 2011 and have two minor children. However, their nearly 13-year marriage was severely affected by Ah-Ming’s affair. Between May and August 2024, while on a company assignment in the U.S., Ah-Ming developed a relationship with Xiao-Xue. After returning to Taiwan, he traveled with his wife and children to Nagoya, Japan, from August 18–24, yet continued frequent contact with Xiao-Xue. Xiao-Mei discovered multiple intimate messages between her husband and Xiao-Xue on his phone, revealing the affair.
The court documents show that Xiao-Xue, aware of Ah-Ming’s marital status, persisted in the relationship, sending numerous affectionate messages and even urging him to divorce. Chat records submitted to the court included messages such as “I still miss you, I’m scared,” “I love you,” and “Your inner and outer self are so manly, I love you.” Ah-Ming responded with “I love you too” and “I will try to make you feel secure.” Some messages included sexual suggestions, including Xiao-Xue asking about intimacy, with Ah-Ming replying, “Do I even need to ask? I miss you,” and other explicit remarks. In one message, Ah‑Ming told Xiao‑Xue: “Having yakiniku for dinner with the kids; turning into a carnivorous animal — but the one I want to eat most is you.” The message was cited by the court as evidence that the relationship went beyond friendship and involved clear romantic and sexual intent.
Both Ah-Ming and Xiao-Xue argued that their relationship was purely professional and friendly, claiming that expressions of “love” reflected cultural habits from Western countries, not romantic intent, and that Ah-Ming’s marriage was already effectively over.
However, the judge ruled that their interactions occurred while Ah-Ming’s marriage was still legally valid and contributed to its dissolution. Xiao-Mei’s spousal rights were clearly violated, and the court deemed the circumstances serious enough to warrant compensation. Ah-Ming and Xiao-Xue are ordered to jointly pay NT$400,000 to Xiao-Mei. The case remains subject to appeal.
