Wu Den-yih graduated with a BA degree in history from the National Taiwan University in 1970, serving as president of “University News” during his time at the university. After graduation, he worked as a journalist and editorial writer at the China Times. Wu served on the Taipei City Council between 1973 and 1981. In 1981 he returned to his native Nantou County to successfully run for the post of magistrate, serving until 1989. In 1990, he was elected as mayor of Kaohsiung City, a post he held until 1998. Wu served in the Legislative Yuan between 2002 and 2009. He was also vice chairman and secretary-general of the KMT between 2007 and 2009. President Ma appointed Wu to the post of premier in September 2009 following the resignation of Liu Chao-shiuan.