Giddens Ko Biography: Career, Age, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Wife, Siblings, Movies

Ko Ching-Teng and widely known as Giddens Ko, is a Taiwanese novelist, screenwriter, and film director who revolutionized youth literature and teen cinema in the Chinese-speaking world.

He authored the bestselling Kung Fu series and You Are the Apple of My Eye (2007), which sold over 6 million copies.

Ko directed the film adaptation of Apple in 2011, grossing $76 million and launching his cinematic career. He helmed Café. Waiting. Love (2014) and You Are the Apple of My Eye Japanese remake (2018).

Ko’s relatable coming-of-age stories blend humor, nostalgia, and romance, making him Taiwan’s most influential pop-culture storyteller.

Profile

• Full Name: Ko Ching-Teng
• Stage Name: Giddens Ko
• Born: August 25, 1978
• Age: 47 years old
• Birthplace: Changhua City, Taiwan
• Nationality: Taiwanese
• Occupation: Novelist, Film Director, Screenwriter
• Height: 1.64m
• Parents: Ko Yu-Pin and Ko Cheng Yueh-Hsiu
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Chou Ting-yu (m. 2017)
• Children: None
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $25 million

Early Life and Education

Ko Ching-Teng was born on August 25, 1978, in Changhua City, Taiwan, to Ko Yu-Pin, a teacher, and Ko Cheng Yueh-Hsiu, a homemaker. He might have had siblings but details about them are unknown.

Ko studied at Changhua Senior High School and later attended National Chung Cheng University, majoring in social welfare. He began blogging in 2000 under the pen name “Giddens,” gaining a massive online following.

Ko self-published his first novel FateHunter in 2005. He is of Taiwanese identity, and has not disclosed his religious beliefs.

Career

Giddens Ko launched his career as a blogger in 2000, serializing stories that attracted millions of readers. He published FateHunter in 2005, followed by the Kung Fu series (2005–2008), which sold 3 million copies.

Ko wrote You Are the Apple of My Eye in 2007, a semi-autobiographical novel that became a cultural phenomenon. He founded Giddens Studio in 2008 to manage his brand.

Ko directed the film Apple in 2011, starring Michelle Chen and Kai Ko, grossing $76 million across Asia. His debut blended personal anecdotes with universal teen emotions.

Ko directed Café. Waiting. Love in 2014, adapting his novel and grossing $40 million. He produced Our Times (2015), which earned $84 million and launched Debbie Yao.

Ko helmed the Japanese remake of Apple in 2018 and wrote Mon Mon Mon Monsters (2017). He launched the streaming series Copycat Killer (2023) on Netflix, topping Taiwan charts.

Ko’s films have grossed over $250 million combined. His books have sold 15 million copies worldwide.

Giddens Ko continues writing novels and directing films while expanding into streaming. He mentors young writers through online workshops and hosts the Giddens Radio podcast.

Ko’s works have been translated into 10 languages and adapted across Asia. He supports literacy programs in rural Taiwan.

Ko’s legacy lies in capturing youth culture with authenticity and commercial success.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @giddensko
• Facebook Handle: Giddens Ko
• Twitter Handle: Unknown

Personal Life

Giddens Ko married singer Chou Ting-yu in 2017 in a private Changhua ceremony; the couple collaborates on music for his films but has no children. They reside in a modern loft in Taipei’s Songshan District.

Ko enjoys cycling, playing basketball, and cooking Taiwanese beef noodle soup.

Filmography

• You Are the Apple of My Eye (2011)
• Café. Waiting. Love (2014)
• Mon Mon Mon Monsters (2017)
• You Are the Apple of My Eye (Japan, 2018)

Net Worth

Giddens Ko has an estimated net worth of $25 million. His income flows primarily from book royalties, film directing fees, and profit shares from blockbusters.

Publishing deals, streaming series, and merchandise provide major revenue. Speaking engagements and brand endorsements boasts his earnings.