Taiwan Investigates Celebrities for Military Service Evasion
Taipei, Taiwan – Authorities are investigating a troubling cluster of cases involving local artists accused of evading Taiwan’s mandatory military service, with nearly a dozen entertainers detained during coordinated police raids on Wednesday morning. The Ministry of the Interior confirmed that 11 celebrities were taken in as part of an investigation uncovering a potential criminal syndicate orchestrating schemes to help male residents avoid conscription.
Among those detained are notable figures from the local entertainment scene, including singers Nine Chen and Daniel Chen, drummer Jushe Lee from band Choc7, William Liao of the boy band Lollipop, and comedian Daikon Huang Liang Jun. Liao, a former member of Lollipop, shared a photograph on social media of himself at a police station, emphasizing that he is "cooperating voluntarily" with the authorities.
The crackdown comes amid heightened concerns regarding national defense as Taiwan faces increased military pressure from Beijing in the Taiwan Strait. The Taiwanese government has ramped up its defense initiatives, linking the investigation to broader efforts to ensure compliance with conscription laws.
During a session with legislators, Shen Che-fang, the director general of the Department of Conscription Administration, revealed that last year’s investigations had already pinpointed 11 entertainers among 120 individuals suspected of evading military service.
Officials continue to stress the importance of adhering to conscription regulations, particularly in light of the island’s evolving security landscape. As this investigation unfolds, it highlights the ongoing tensions within Taiwan’s entertainment industry and its implications for national duty in a time of geopolitical strain.
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