Taiwanese actor Wang Ta-lu arrested: Here’s what went down

Taiwanese actor Darren Wang, also known as Wang Ta-lu, has been arrested by the Taiwanese authorities for allegedly dodging military service.

According to Taiwanese news reports, he was arrested at his home on Feb 18 morning and was released on bail of NT$150,000 (S$6,140) later that day. Though a media scrum had gathered outside the police station, Wang left without answering any questions.

The 33-year-old star, who shot to fame with the popular romance film Our Times (2015), is suspected to have employed a crime syndicate that receives money in exchange for helping people to evade mandatory conscription. He allegedly paid NT$1 million and faked having a heart condition to get an exemption.

Men in Taiwan have to fulfil mandatory military service for a year. The conscription age is 18, though deferment is often granted to those who want to pursue higher education. But all able-bodied men must serve in the military by the time they turn 36.

Without an exemption, Wang is expected to enlist on March 13.

The mastermind of the crime, who is surnamed Chen, and two agents for the service were reportedly arrested in January. The three have no medical background, and the police are considering the possibility of medical professionals being involved in the scheme.

According to Taiwanese news outlet Star ETToday, two calls made to Wang’s manager were both terminated after a single ring.

There were rumours of Wang dodging conscription back in 2015, when he reportedly used his identity as a student of Toko University in Chiayi to delay enlistment despite rarely attending school.

At the time, he told the media: “I’m still young, why is there a need to dodge enlistment? I’ll serve when the time comes for me to do so.”

Wang also headlined Chinese period drama The Wolf (2020) and was part of the cast of Taiwanese variety series Ai’s Kitchen (2024), alongside veteran Taiwanese actress-director Sylvia Chang.

This article was originally published in The Straits Times.