40-year-younger wife of Taiwanese lyricist Lee Kun-Cheng struggles with mental health and survival after husband’s death

According to Ettoday, a video of Lin drinking beer and smoking on the streets of Taichung City has gained significant attention on social media since July 22.

The video depicts her in a distressed state, showing signs of mental instability and wandering aimlessly. Many viewers have urged authorities to provide her with medical and psychological support to prevent potential exploitation.

On July 10, Lin Jing En was caught stealing and consuming food delivered to a resident of a community building in Taichung City’s Central District. Upon being apprehended, she returned 237 yuan (approximately $32.58) to the owner but was still taken to the police station for questioning.

Earlier in January, she had rented a hotel room where staff accused her of damaging property and causing a disturbance. Additionally, she was seen sleeping overnight at an ATM.

Lin Jing En was caught stealing and eating other’s delivered food on July 10. Photo by Chinese Facebook page Tips for family life.

After Lee’s death in 2023, a dispute over assets emerged between Lin and his son, Li Zhuoxuan. They eventually agreed that Lin would inherit the house, while Li retained the rights to his father’s musical works and collectibles.

Lin sold the house, using the proceeds for travel and hotel stays. The relationship between Lin and Lee had previously garnered public attention due to their 40-year age gap, having started when Lin was just 16 years old.

Despite her parents’ opposition, Lin moved in with Lee Kun-Cheng, stopped working, and relied on him financially. The composer faced criticism for his relationship with Lin, with some accusing him of ruining her life. Nonetheless, the couple stayed together.

Lee Kun-Chen and Lin Jing En. Photo shared on Lin Jing En’s Facebook.

In a 2023 interview with Next Apple, Lin shared that she had not visited her parents’ home or contacted them for ten years. She credited Lee for providing her with a sense of family she felt was missing. “He showed me all the flavors of life. Without him, my life would have been very dull. I have no regrets about loving him,” she said.

In 2023, Lee’s health worsened, and he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. During his final months, he was hospitalized, and Lin cared for him.

In February 2023, at the age of 66, Lee married Lin, 26, in the ICU, two months before his death from cancer.

Throughout his life, Lee was an influential figure in Taiwan’s music scene, writing lyrics and managing a music production company. He penned popular songs for artists like Fong Fei Fei and Lo Ta Yu.

In the ’90s, Lee was nominated three times for Best Dialect Song Lyricist and served on the Golden Melody Awards judging panel. He was also known as the “Godfather of vinyls,” with a collection of over 20,000 antique records, according to 8 days.