CHTHONIC’s vocalist Freddy Lim appointed as Taiwan’s ambassador to Finland – World’s first heavy metal ambassador eagerly anticipates new role

CHTHONIC frontman Freddy Lim, who recently released the new single “Endless Aeons,” is set to begin a groundbreaking diplomatic role as Taiwan’s ambassador to Finland. With Finland often regarded as the world’s most metal-oriented nation—boasting over 80 metal bands per 100,000 residents—the appointment of a heavy metal vocalist as ambassador to the global capital of metal represents a unique and remarkably fitting decision.

Freddy and CHTHONIC have maintained strong connections with Finland for years, making this appointment a natural fit. The band’s earlier albums were released through Spinefarm/Universal, and they have performed live in Finland’s major cities. Over the years, the band has forged additional ties with Finland’s metal community through tours with Finnish folk metal giants Ensiferum, Turisas, and Korpiklaani. Freddy’s CHTHONIC has also appeared at the massive Wacken Open Air festival alongside Finnish violin virtuoso Olli Vänskä.

From 2010 to 2014, Freddy served as the chairperson of Amnesty International Taiwan, actively participating in global human rights initiatives and collaborating with representatives from Finland, Sweden, and Germany at international conferences. Between 2016 and 2024, he served two terms in Taiwan’s parliament, becoming the world’s first heavy metal musician elected to a national legislature. During his parliamentary tenure, he championed legislation that made Taiwan the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage. He also advocated for indigenous rights, supported humanitarian aid for Ukraine, and demanded transitional justice by calling for the release of documents from Taiwan’s authoritarian era.

As a key figure in parliament’s foreign affairs and defense committee, Freddy was actively engaged in parliamentary diplomacy. He spoke at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit in Denmark in 2022 and the Oslo Freedom Forum in Norway in 2023, emphasizing the universal importance of human rights and freedom while garnering international support for Taiwan.

“Beyond my musical connections, my long-standing commitment to human rights, progressive values, and fighting against authoritarianism are ideals that both Taiwan and Finland champion. I believe our future collaboration and interactions can be strengthened even further,” Lim stated.

Last month, CHTHONIC announced that a new album is in the works. When asked about potential musical collaborations with Finland, Freddy responded:

“While there are no specific plans yet, I definitely hope to introduce more Taiwanese music, film, and other cultural gems to audiences in Finland and throughout Europe!“