18th November 2025 – (Taipei) Taiwanese actor Darren Wang is accused of evading compulsory military service by relying on falsified medical documentation, a case that has reportedly implicated at least 18 other entertainers. The New Taipei District Court summoned Wang for the first hearing on Tuesday, where he stood to bow in apology, entered guilty pleas and appealed for a lighter sentence. He also outlined the flow of NT$3.6 million allegedly paid to the alleged ringleader of the forgery network, Chen Chih‑ming.
Local media reported that Wang arrived at court at around 9.30am accompanied by his legal counsel. Proceedings began with a procedural lapse as Wang had forgotten to bring his identity card; the presiding judge exercised discretion and allowed the hearing to continue. Wang then attempted to apologise in court for what he described as errors stemming from ignorance, but was instructed by the judge to be seated so the session could proceed without delay.
Wang pleaded guilty to charges relating to causing a public official to record false information, document forgery and obstructing the conscription system. The case has drawn considerable public attention as authorities press ahead with enforcing the integrity of national service obligations, a core element of civic responsibility.
Discrepancies emerged over the financial transactions at the heart of the case. Chen previously claimed to have received NT$2.6 million from Wang—NT$2 million allegedly handed over in cash at Wang’s residence and NT$600,000 via bank transfer—whereas Wang maintained the total was NT$3.6 million. In court, Wang detailed five payments to Chen: NT$300,000 in cash near the Sun Yat‑sen Memorial Hall; NT$700,000 handed over at his Ren’ai Road residence; a subsequent request from Chen for NT$1.5 million plus NT$660,000 that Wang negotiated to a lump sum of NT$2 million, paid in cash at the same residence; and finally NT$600,000 remitted in December last year—bringing the total to NT$3.6 million.
Following the hearing, Wang did not respond to questions from reporters. His lawyer told the court that although Wang’s motives were unacceptable, he has fully admitted his wrongdoing and is currently performing alternative service with the Taipei Social Affairs Bureau with satisfactory conduct. The defence requested judicial leniency, proposing a fine in lieu of imprisonment or a suspended sentence, consistent with principles of proportionality and rehabilitation under the rule of law.
