Popular Actor Admits To Paying To Evade Military Service, Faces Jail Time
On February 18, 2025, then 33-year-old Taiwanese actor Wang Ta Lu (also known as Darren Wang), who rose to fame after starring in the 2015 romantic comedy Our Times, was arrested at his home on suspicion of draft dodging.
He was suspected of paying NT$1 million (approximately $30,525 USD) and faking a heart condition via forged documentation to receive an exemption, and was released on bail later the same day.
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, it was announced that the length of mandatory military service would be extended to one year, beginning in 2024, and anyone found guilty of evading conscription would face up to five years in prison.
On November 18, Darren Wang pleaded guilty to document forgery charges for attempting to avoid military conscription.
Appearing in court at the New Taipei District Court for the first time, Darren bowed in apology, claiming that he made the mistake out of ignorance. His lawyer argued for leniency, citing
This incident was a mistake I made out of ignorance. I sincerely admit my mistake and plead guilty.
— Darren Wang
Wang is also facing an attempted murder charge, which you can read more about below.
Darren Wang, The Draft-Dodging Actor Accused Of Attempted Murder, Charged
