Taiwanese star Darren Wang was investigated by prosecutors and police in February for allegedly avoiding military service by seeking out the "Military Dodging Group" led by mastermind Chen Zhiming, who forged his medical examination documents. In May, a second wave of crackdowns took place, during which artists such as Nine Chen and eight others were questioned, and accomplices were detained. The investigation concluded and indictments were issued in June. Last month, prosecutors and police launched a third wave of crackdowns, making headlines as five more, including Bolin Chen and Chia-kai Hsiu, were detained. On the 14th of this month, they were promptly indicted, and prosecutors specifically requested a sentence of 2 years and 8 months for the five artists. On the morning of the 18th, Darren Wang appeared in court for the first time regarding the military dodging case. Accompanied by his lawyer and holding an umbrella, he faced reporters but did not answer when asked if he feared a one-year prison sentence, quickly entering the courtroom.
The court hearing was very brief. Having made up his mind to "plead guilty for a lighter sentence," Darren Wang admitted to all charges related to having a public official record false documents, document forgery, and interfering with compulsory military service. In court, he expressed to the judge his willingness to "apologize to the public." However, regarding the mastermind Chen Zhiming's earlier claim that he only received NT$2.6 million (about RM340,000) from Darren Wang, Wang testified that he actually paid NT$3.6 million (about RM480,000). The hearing lasted around 40 minutes and ended swiftly. Upon leaving, Wang again said nothing. When faced with tougher questions from the media, he appeared to remain calm and didn't display displeasure, even helping reporters retrieve dropped photographic equipment, before boarding a nanny van and leaving.
News Source: Apple News Net