Taiwanese Top Star Daniel Chan Arrested with 3 Other Celebrities on Suspicion of Draft Evasion

A shocking scandal has erupted in Taiwan's entertainment industry as four celebrities, including top actor Daniel Chan, have been arrested on suspicion of draft evasion.

According to reports from Taiwan's Liberty Times on the 21st, the New Taipei City Police have taken into custody Daniel Chan (42), former Energy member Shu Wei, and Lollipop member Xiao Jie for alleged attempts to evade mandatory military service.

The celebrities are suspected of paying large sums of money to brokers to obtain fake medical certificates, thereby seeking exemption from their military duties. During the investigation, it is reported that the arrested individuals admitted to purchasing fraudulent documents to avoid service.

This incident follows a previous case in February involving actor Darren Wang, who was also investigated for draft dodging. Furthermore, a large-scale investigation in May led to 28 individuals, including celebrities and brokers, being indicted.

The repeated allegations of military service fraud have fueled public outcry and discussions about fairness in conscription within Taiwanese society. Consequently, a bill proposing a prison sentence of at least six months for draft dodgers was introduced in the National Assembly in July.

Daniel Chan, familiar to international audiences, first gained recognition with the 2002 film 'Blue Gate Crossing' and also starred alongside South Korean actors Ha Ji-won and Chun Jung-myung in the 2016 film 'Life Risking Romance'.

Netizens in Taiwan have expressed outrage, commenting, 'It's unfair that celebrities try to evade military service,' and 'Thorough investigation and severe punishment are necessary.' Many also shared sentiments like, 'I'm greatly disappointed as I've been a fan since I was young.'