Taiwanese Stars In Hot Water: Jail Time Looms For Chen Bo-Lin And Hsiu Chieh-Kai

Stars in the Spotlight: Jail Time for Draft Dodging?

Taiwan's entertainment industry is buzzing as two of its beloved actors, Chen Bo-lin and Hsiu Chieh-kai, find themselves embroiled in a legal storm. Facing the possibility of spending more than two years behind bars, these celebrities are among 12 individuals recently charged with evading military service. The New Taipei District Prosecutors Office dropped this bombshell on November 14, revealing a tangled web of alleged deceit and manipulation.

The Allegations: Breath Holding and Blood Pressure Tricks

According to the prosecutors, the scheme was as bold as it was audacious. Two of the accused supposedly orchestrated a plan to fake blood pressure results, either by holding their breath or by having someone else take the test for them. Chen and Hsiu, both 42, along with three other celebrities, could face jail time of up to two years and eight months. The saga doesn’t end with them – Hsieh Kun-da, 43, and Chang Shu-Wei, 45, of the boy band Energy, plus Liao Yun-chieh, 39, from Lollipop, are also caught in this legal web.

“The celebrity defendants enjoy the social benefits of high media attention and fame, yet they deliberately evaded military service, severely deviating from societal expectations of public figures and their civic responsibilities,” the prosecutors stated.

Military Service: A Civic Duty Under Scrutiny

Amidst rising tensions with China, Taiwan has long mandated military service for men aged 18 and over. Despite changes over the years, the current requirement is a one-year service, with deferments possible for education until age 36. Chen, famous for his role in "In Time With You," and Hsiu, known for series like "Friends" and "Black & White," now face severe scrutiny.

Public Reaction: A Breach of Trust?

The charges have sparked a public debate about the responsibilities of public figures. Many argue that celebrities wield significant influence and should set an example by fulfilling their civic duties. With Taiwan's ongoing struggle to maintain a robust military force, this case underscores the importance of national service, especially as the island faces the looming threat of Chinese aggression.