Taipei: Political commentator Nan Fang Shuo, a co-founder of the renowned political weekly The Journalist, has died at the age of 78, according to reporter Chen Hao, who was a colleague of the commentator when they worked for the Chinese language China Times.

According to Focus Taiwan, in a Facebook post on Tuesday evening, Chen lamented the death of Nan Fang Shuo, whose real name was Wang Hsing-ching, stating that he passed away peacefully at 1:45 p.m. on Monday. Speaking with CNA in a phone interview, Chen mentioned visiting Wang's mourning hall to pay his respects on Monday, and noted that many of Wang's friends were surprised by the news and saddened by his passing.

While Chen did not disclose the cause of death, local news media reported that the political commentator died of pneumonia. As of press time, Nan Fang Shuo's family had not commented on his death. Lo Mei-ling, a veteran in the local publication business, mentioned that Wang had suffered a stroke some time ago and had been in poor health since then. She also noted that her father and Wang were once hospitalized in the same facility around the same time.

Wang was born in 1946 and earned both a bachelor's and a master's degree in forestry from National Taiwan University, followed by a Ph.D. program in economic planning at Chinese Culture University. His career included roles as a reporter, column section chief, associate editor, and editor-in-chief at China Times before co-founding The Journalist in 1987 with fellow political commentators Wang Chien-chuang, Antonio Chiang, and Chou Tien-jui.

The Journalist was launched prior to the lifting of martial law in September 1987, aiming to champion a free press, democracy, and social justice, while also providing "a voice that Taiwan cannot be without." After hearing of Wang's death, Chiang and Chou expressed that they were too upset to speak to the media.

Titian Publishing Co. highlighted Wang's efforts to challenge the political system by planning and participating in street movements, commending his ability to understand societal dynamics. They praised him for supporting the younger generation and described him as a heavyweight in Taiwan's cultural and political landscape.

Columnist Tsai Chi likened Wang to Prometheus from Greek mythology, who defied the Olympian gods by giving fire to humanity in the form of technology, knowledge, and civilization. Tsai stated that Wang lit the candle of life in his era, and added that history will never forget him.