**Taiwanese Hair Stylist Spends NT$700,000 to Marry an 18-Year-Old Vietnamese Bride: The Debate Over Fertility Anxiety and Gender Disparities**
Nick, a 40-year-old Taiwanese hair stylist, recently announced on social media that he had married an 18-year-old Vietnamese woman through an intermediary, spending about NT$700,000 (US$21,500). He expressed his strong desire to have children soon. The announcement sparked intense debate in Taiwan, with discussions on gender discrimination, women as childbearing machines, and human trafficking.
Nick and Tran Thi Kim Quy
Nick's case highlights a broader issue of differing fertility desires and the pressure on men to continue their lineage in Taiwan. Despite his appealing appearance, Nick found it challenging to find a Taiwanese woman willing to marry and have children quickly. This led him to seek a partner from Vietnam, believing that Vietnamese women are more willing to work hard and fulfill his desire for children.
The controversy surrounding Nick’s marriage reflects the deep-seated anxieties about fertility and gender disparities in Taiwan. While some support his choice, many criticize the transactional nature of such marriages, questioning whether they exploit economic and cultural differences.
