In a tragic turn of events, the passing of legendary Taiwanese songwriter Liu Chia-chang on December 2 has reignited tensions within his family. Liu, who was reported to be either 81 or 83 years old depending on various media outlets, succumbed to cancer, leaving a legacy of timeless music and a complicated family dynamic.

In a solemn announcement, Liu's assistant confirmed the sad news, stating that the songwriter passed peacefully surrounded by family. However, plans for his funeral, specified to be conducted in a "low-profile and simple manner," have sparked controversy, particularly between Liu's estranged ex-wife, former actress Chen Chen, and their son, singer Jeremy Liu.

Jeremy, 38, expressed his deep desire to honor his father with a proper farewell but lamented that he had been unable to secure details about the funeral. In a poignant Facebook post on December 8, he revealed his struggle to get confirmation on the ceremony's date and location, indicating his willingness to respect the family's wishes for privacy. "As his son, I only wish to attend my father’s final farewell...yet I have received no response," Jeremy wrote, underscoring the painful estrangement from his family.

Unfortunately, this familial strife does not end with the funeral arrangements. Liu Chia-chang's relatives responded to Jeremy's claims through an official statement, distancing themselves from him. They referred to Jeremy as lacking a direct connection to the family and insisted that they were adhering to the late songwriter's wishes for a private send-off. This rejection sent shockwaves through social media as Jeremy issued a follow-up statement, saying, "If such an important matter can be skirted with such shallow and childish reasons…all I can do is express my understanding and respect."

Adding yet another layer to this emotional saga, Jeremy attached a photocopy of his Hong Kong permanent residence ID to his message, which still bears his original name, Liu Tzu Chien. This gesture seemed to symbolize his attempts to maintain a link to his father, despite the estrangement.

The backstory of this family conflict is equally gripping. Liu Chia-chang and Chen Chen divorced in 1987 when Jeremy was just a toddler, yet they kept the split hidden from public knowledge for over two decades for his sake. Over the years, they amassed significant wealth in property, all of which has been under Chen's name since she cut Liu off financially in 2012.

In an astonishing twist, Liu had even pursued legal action in Hong Kong and the U.S. courts to regain a share of their joint assets but has faced consistent setbacks.

As the story unfolds, many wonder if Jeremy will ultimately be granted the opportunity to pay tribute to his father. The heartache of this grieving son, coupled with the family's insistence on maintaining their privacy, paints a poignant picture of love, loss, and the complicated dynamics that often accompany families in the spotlight. With all eyes on Taiwan, will Jeremy finally gain the closure he seeks? Only time will tell in this unfolding family drama.