A widening investigation into military service dodging by Taiwanese celebrities has drawn wide attention, with South Korean netizens particularly baffled as to why stars would avoid the island's relatively short conscription period compared to their mandatory service.
Authorities on Wednesday raided multiple locations and detained at least 11 celebrities for evading military service, including actors, comedians, and boy band members.
It is understood that the suspects included Choc7 boy band member Peter Lee Chuan, actor Daniel Chen, singer Nine Chen, and a stage actor surnamed Huang.
The scandal first made waves in February when actor-singer Darren Wang Talu -- star of hit film "Our Times" -- was arrested for allegedly using falsified medical records to avoid military service.
News of Wang's case spread to South Korean forums, where netizens expressed surprise both at Taiwan's conscription system and celebrities' attempts to evade it.
Investigators revealed that the suspects allegedly hired a group to obtain false medical certificates.
The case continues to develop as authorities examine the extent of involvement among Taiwan's entertainment industry figures.
Unlike South Korea's strict 18-21 months service requirements, Taiwan's abbreviated conscription had been considered less burdensome for public figures.
