A popular Tainan TikTok personality is jumping into local politics, a sign of how online fame now converts into real campaign muscle.

• Furniture showroom owner and social media figure Tsao Wei-kuo, known as "AJ Ge," has registered as an independent candidate for Tainan city councilor in Yongkang district.
• He posted footage of his registration paperwork and the NT$160,000 deposit receipt, drawing a flood of supportive comments.
• He built his following through short videos about charity work and helping people in need, and runs a charity association.
• His past has also drawn scrutiny, with earlier disputes over alleged legal violations.

Outlook: His large online following makes him a real threat in the Yongkang race, and the campaign will test whether TikTok popularity turns into votes.