Multiple Actors And Idols Arrested For Paying To Evade Military Service

Recently, several entertainers in Taiwan have been accused of evading required military service.

Over the last few months, several stars have been accused and charged with suspicion of paying to avoid enlistment.

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In the most recent case, four stars — actor Chen Bolin, actor Hsiu Jiekai, member of boy group Energy Chang Shuwei, and former member of boy group Lollipop Liljay (Liao Yunchieh) — each admitted to paying for falsified medical reports.

Each star reportedly paid an amount ranging from NT$100,000 to NT$300,000 (~$3,100–$9,300 USD) to a suspect, Chen, for the documents.

Another member of Energy, Hsieh Kunda, has suspended all of his work abroad to return to Taiwan for police questioning. The four arrested have all paid bail and have been released, though their cases were transferred to prosecutors on suspicion of document forgery and evasion of military service

In Taiwan, the age of conscription is 18 years old, and 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 after previously being four months.

Anyone found guilty of evading conscription faces up to five years in prison.