Photo credit: www.news18.com
Last Updated: February 20, 2025, 15:19 IST
Actor Darren Wang Faces Arrest for Alleged Military Service Evasion
Darren Wang is widely recognized for his role in the 2015 film Our Times.
Taiwanese actor Darren Wang, also known as Wang Ta Lu, has been apprehended for allegedly trying to evade mandatory military service through deceitful practices. On February 18, the 33-year-old star was detained by Taiwanese authorities, only to be released later that day after posting a bail set at NT$ 150,000 (approximately US$ 4,577).
Per reports from The Straits Times, Wang is believed to have collaborated with an illegal operation that assists individuals in dodging military obligations. Sources indicate that he paid NT$1 million (around US$ 30,520) to secure fraudulent medical documents, which falsely claimed he suffered from a heart ailment to qualify for a medical exemption. Since the incident became public, neither Wang nor his representatives have commented on the allegations.
This incident marks not the first effort by Darren Wang to sidestep military service. In 2015, speculation arose that he enrolled at Toko University primarily to postpone his enlistment, despite infrequent class attendance.
According to Taiwanese law, men aged 18 to 36 are mandated to fulfill one year of military service. This period was extended from a previous four-month requirement, a change announced by President Tsai Ing-Wen in December 2022, which will take effect in 2024. Offenders attempting to evade service face severe consequences, including potential prison sentences of up to five years.
Though deferments are permissible for those pursuing higher education, all able-bodied Taiwanese men must enlist by their 36th birthday unless they qualify for legal exemption. At 33, Wang is approaching his enlistment deadline, required to report for duty by March 13. Failure to comply may result in prosecution under military law.
Wang was one of 12 men questioned in connection with the illegal operation aiding military service evasion. The alleged ringleader, known by the surname Chen, was arrested along with two accomplices back in January. Initial investigations suggest the trio lacked medical credentials, raising suspicions about potential involvement from actual healthcare professionals.
Taiwanese media have reported that in addition to Wang, around 80 other individuals are under investigation for similar offenses involving fraudulent military service evasion from 2020 to 2024. However, officials clarified that Wang does not appear to be among this larger group currently under scrutiny.
Source
www.news18.com