Giddens Ko

Giddens Ko is a Taiwanese novelist, filmmaker, screenwriter, and producer whose energetic storytelling has made him one of the most influential popular authors in the Chinese-speaking world. Born in Changhua County, Taiwan, he studied management science at National Chiao Tung University before earning a master's degree at Tunghai University. He began publishing fiction online in the late 1990s under the pen name Jiubadao ("Nine Knives"), quickly gaining a devoted following through his prolific output and distinctive blend of romance, fantasy, horror, science fiction, and coming-of-age fiction.

Ko achieved international fame with You Are the Apple of My Eye, a semi-autobiographical novel that he later adapted into an award-winning film as writer and director. The success of both the novel and its film adaptation introduced his work to audiences across Asia and inspired remakes in several countries. He has since written more than sixty books, many of which have been adapted into films, television series, comics, and games. Notable works include Café. Waiting. Love, The Killer series, The Tenants Downstairs, and Kung Fu, demonstrating his versatility across genres ranging from romance to psychological horror.

As both an author and filmmaker, Ko has had a significant impact on contemporary Taiwanese popular culture. His stories are known for their emotional sincerity, humor, and imaginative premises, often exploring friendship, first love, heroism, and the supernatural. Through his prolific writing and successful film adaptations, he has become one of Taiwan's best-known contemporary storytellers.