TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwanese actor Darren Wang (王大陸) will begin alternative military service this week after evading conscription and while still facing an investigation for his role in alleged attempted murder.
The Substitute Service Training and Management Center said Tuesday that Wang is part of the 263rd cohort of general alternative service for training and required to serve for one year, per CNA. Wang, 33, will enlist for training at Chenggong Ling military camp in Taichung on Thursday before being assigned to a unit.
The New Taipei District Prosecutors Office recently investigated a case involving violations of military service regulations, in which Wang was accused of breaching the Act of Offenses Against Military Service and document forgery. He was released on bail of NT$150,000 (US$4,500).
However, news broke last week that Wang had allegedly arranged for an Uber driver to be severely beaten, leading to an additional bail of NT$5 million while being investigated for attempted murder. The center said that if Wang needs to attend court proceedings due to legal cases, he may apply for official leave.
The center said that Wang's cohort consists of approximately 1,300 individuals. The Taipei City Military Service Office has already issued draft orders requiring conscripts to assemble at 9 a.m. on Thursday at Taipei Main Station.
They will travel by train and transfer to a tour bus to Chenggong Ling. Conscripts will undergo basic training before selecting their preferred unit for specialized training.
Starting this year, the duration of basic training has been extended from 21 to 26 days due to the increased hours required for disaster response training and emergency medical technician (EMT-1) courses. Other training components include simulated shooting, live-fire target practice, team-building exploration exercises (including rock climbing), and physical fitness tests, such as a 3,000-meter run and push-ups.
The center reminded the public that men born before 1993 must serve one year of compulsory military service unless they opt for one year of alternative military service if eligible.
