Actor Arrested For Allegedly Faking A Heart Condition To Dodge Military Service
An investigation into suspected conscription dodging recently led to twelve people, including an actor, being brought in for questioning. All are suspected of being part of–or having dealings with–an illegal ring that helps men evade mandatory military service.
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.
On February 18, 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 and released on bail later the same day. 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.
A review of prospective conscripts found that 80 individuals who would enlist between 2020 and 2024 had no relevant medical history to support their claimed illnesses or diseases. Although the age of conscription is 18-36, 33 is the maximum age for deferment, meaning that Wang’s scheduled enlistment date is March 13.
