11 Celebrities, Including Boy Group Members And Actors, Detained In Military Service Dodging Investigation
An ongoing investigation into suspected conscription dodging has gained international attention. So far, the high-profile case has led to an attempted murder charge, raids, and arrests.
In Taiwan, the age of conscription is 18. Men are required to serve in the military for one year before their 36th birthday. In December 2022, President Tsai Ing Wen announced that the length of mandatory military service would be extended to one year beginning in 2024. It was previously four months. Anyone found guilty of evading conscription faces up to five years in prison.
One of the people suspected of dodging military service is Taiwanese actor Darren Wang (also known as Wang Ta Lu), whose arrest made headlines in February. He is suspected of paying NT$1 million TWD (approximately $30,525 USD) and faking a heart condition via forged documentation to receive an exemption. The investigation into his military service evasion has now led to an investigation into an attempted murder.
The alleged attempted murder happened in April 2024, after Wang flew to Taiwan. An argument with an UBER escalated to an alleged assault. Wang has been accused to asking his friend, reportedly a 2nd-generation chaebol, to get in touch with a gang member(s), who then assaulted the UBER driver on Wang’s behalf.
Who Is Darren Wang? The Actor Facing Attempted Murder And Military Service Dodging Charges
Although Wang is the most notable celebrity involved in the draft evasion investigation, he’s far from the only one. On May 14, authorities raided several locations and detained at least 11 celebrities, including members of boy groups, actors, and comedians.
A special task force brought in three of the detained celebrities: actors Huang Poshih and Daniel Chen and Choc7‘s Li Quan (also known as Peter Lee Chuan). Chen and Chuan were later released on bail after being questioned by the New Taipei District Prosecutors’ Office.
Other suspects were also brought in for questioning on May 14, including singer Nine Chen, former Lollipop member William Liao, actor and former BOi! member Cuzyboii, entertainer Xiaohu Wu, and former SpeXial member Teddy Chen. More Taiwanese celebrities could be added to the list of suspects as the investigation continues.
