TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Prosecutors on Wednesday detained at least five entertainers for evading military service, including actors, comedians, and boy band members.
The New Taipei District Prosecutors Office on Wednesday directed police to detain several suspects, including Choc7 boy band member Peter Lee (李銓), actor Daniel Chen (陳大天), comedian “Ah Hu” (Wu Chih-jen, 吳致任), singer Nine Chen (陳零九), and a stage actor surnamed Huang, per CNA. Each suspect was photographed by the media as they were separately escorted to the prosecutors' office for further questioning.
This case stems from an investigation into actor Darren Wang (王大陸), who is suspected of forging documents and breaking military service laws. The probe has since expanded, revealing that other accomplices allegedly hired a group to obtain false medical certificates.
At a Legislative Yuan committee meeting, Interior Minister Liu Shih-fang (劉世芳) and other officials were questioned by lawmakers. TPP Legislator Chang Chi-kai (張啓楷) pressed the Ministry of Interior for answers on the military service evasion cases.
Director of the MOI's National Conscription Agency, Shen Che-fang (沈哲芳), said that by the end of last year, authorities had already identified similar cases of draft evasion by conscripts and had referred them to prosecutors for investigation. A subsequent review flagged 120 individuals as suspicious, including 11 entertainers.
As for individuals over 36 who are no longer subject to conscription, Shen explained that while they will not be called back for military or refresher training, any illegal acts, such as fraud, must still be dealt with through legal prosecution or sentencing.
When asked about potential legal amendments, Shen said his agency has recommended that the Ministry of National Defense revise the standards for classifying physical fitness levels, hoping for stricter regulations.
Comedian Huang Liang-Chun (黃亮鈞), known by his stage name “Daikon,” and actor William Liao (廖亦崟) are also suspected of being involved in the case, per CNA. Huang is overseas, while Liao is filming a show on Green Island.
After receiving notice from the police, both said they would cooperate. Daikon is expected to return to Taiwan Wednesday evening and will be taken in for questioning upon arrival by New Taipei’s Criminal Investigation Division.
At noon, Liao, a former member of the boy band Lollipop F boy, posted a photo on Facebook showing himself entering Green Island's police station in Taitung County. In the caption, he wrote, “Don't worry, I took the initiative to cooperate.”
