Taiwan: Actor arrested for dodging conscription finally begins military service
What's the story
Taiwanese actor Darren Wang (33), who gained fame for starring in the 2015 teen rom-com Our Times, has begun his compulsory military service after having been arrested for allegedly dodging conscription duties, reported BBC.
Wang was accused of attempting to evade military service using forged medical documents.
In Taiwan, all men must serve in the military for one year, up from four months in 2022, amid increasing threats from mainland China.
Social media reaction
Wang's arrest sparked debate on Chinese social media
Wang's alleged military evasion sparked a debate on Chinese social media platforms.
While some Taiwanese netizens accused him of shirking his responsibilities, others suggested he should "become a citizen [of the People's Republic of China]."
However, despite the controversy, Wang remains popular in mainland China, which he had once called his "motherland."
Legal issues
Wang's legal troubles and military service
Wang was arrested from his residence on February 18 and questioned by police before being eventually released on bail.
Per local reports, he was under investigation for allegedly forging a medical document.
Taiwan's Central News Agency reported that "relevant evidence" had been seized from his home.
However, his troubles didn't end there.
He was later investigated for suspected involvement in an attempted murder case after incriminating messages were reportedly found on his phone.
Conscription commencement
Wang began military service amid ongoing investigations
Amid the ongoing probes into both allegations, Wang started his military service on Thursday.
He joined over 1,000 other recruits at the Chenggong Ling military camp in Taichung City.
The recruits will spend weeks in basic training before being assigned to a specialized unit.
In Taiwan, all men over 18 are obligated to serve in the army and must complete their service by age 36.
Service requirement
Taiwan's military service requirement and training intensification
Taiwan's military service was up to three years in the 1990s but was slowly shortened to four months over the years.
However, former President Tsai Ing-wen announced in 2022 that the service length would be increased to a year amid escalating tensions with China.
She had said, "Taiwan is on the frontline of authoritarian expansion," adding that conscripts would receive more intense training, including elements from the US and other advanced militaries.