Taiwanese society is shaken as a series of draft evasion scandals involving celebrities come to light. Amid the controversy, local media quoted K-pop group BTS, suggesting that Taiwan should “take a page from the Korean agenda.”
According to reports from TVBS, Taipei Times and ETtoday, Chu Cheng, a famous singer and actor, was arrested at his apartment in New Taipei City on April 1. The images show him handcuffed and escorted to the police station.
Chu allegedly paid NT$300,000-400,000 (approximately KRW 14-19 million) to obtain a forged medical certificate stating high blood pressure in order to avoid military service.
The investigation follows a broader probe into draft evasion in Taiwan that began last June, involving nine celebrities, including actor Wang Da Lu, as well as chefs, music producers, businessmen and doctors, totaling 28 people, including intermediaries who facilitated the escape. The New Taipei Prosecutor’s Office and police subsequently carried out a large-scale crackdown, arresting about 10 more people, including Chu.
Taiwanese media highlighted the stark contrast with Korea, pointing out that K-pop stars such as BTS and EXO completed their military service despite global fame. Netizens criticized local celebrities, saying, “BTS went to the army even though they are famous all over the world,” “Look at Korea and learn,” and “Is Taiwan’s standard lower than Korea’s?”
BTS began military service with Jin in December 2022, followed by RM, V, Jimin, Jungkook and Suga, all discharged in June 2025. Their first album after completing their service, Arirang, including the title track SWIM, reached the top of the Billboard 200, Hot 100, UK Official Albums Chart and Japan Oricon Weekly Streaming Rankings. Jin shared on Weverse Live that it was especially rewarding to release an album after all members had fulfilled their military duty.
Sources: Daum | Chosun Ilbo
