Local outlets including TVBS and the Taipei Times reported April 1 that singer-actor Chu Sheng-yi, 36, was unexpectedly arrested on charges of violating Taiwan’s military service laws.
Prosecutors allege Chu paid brokers roughly TWD 300,000–400,000 (about 14,000,000–19,000,000 KRW, approximately $10,500–$14,250) to secure a draft exemption and forged a medical certificate related to hypertension. Authorities say he admitted the charges during police questioning.
The arrest is part of an ongoing, large-scale investigation into conscription-related corruption that began last year. In June, prosecutors indicted 28 people — including nine entertainers such as actor Wang Dalu, plus chefs, doctors and other professionals — on charges of obstructing conscription and forging documents. New Taipei prosecutors and police have since expanded the probe, arresting roughly 10 more suspects, including Chu.
Taiwanese media have been sharply critical of local celebrities’ alleged illicit behavior, drawing direct comparisons to K-pop. Coverage has emphasized that every member of global phenomenon BTS completed active-duty service, and highlighted online reactions such as, “Even the world’s top group BTS fulfilled their military obligations,” with commentators urging Taiwan’s entertainment industry to adopt a similar sense of responsibility.
