Beloved Taiwanese actor Chen Bolin has become a lightning rod for public criticism after revelations of his military service evasion surfaced. Once known for his clean image and celebrated performances, Chen is now facing a potential 2-year-8-month prison sentence—just as he was preparing to marry his girlfriend of 13 years, Chen Tingxuan, a member of girl group Popu Lady.
According to Yahoo News, the couple had planned to hold a private wedding in New Zealand this December. However, with the actor’s legal troubles escalating, the ceremony has been postponed indefinitely. Restaurant staff in New Zealand expressed confusion, as they have yet to receive a new wedding date.
The controversy began in October 2025, when authorities arrested Chen at his residence. He later admitted to using money and connections to dodge military service obligations since 2011, citing asthma as a medical excuse. He was released on bail after paying 500,000 NTD (approx. $17,000 USD).
Despite his confession, the scandal has damaged his career and image irreparably, overshadowing his once-lauded achievements in film and television.
Chen Bolin, born in 1983, made his screen debut in Blue Gate Crossing (2001) and rose to regional fame throughout the 2000s. He was one of Taiwan’s most internationally recognized actors, notably expanding into Japan with Waiting in the Dark (2006).
His career peaked in 2011 with the romantic drama In Time with You, which earned him the Golden Bell Award for Best Actor. He continued his success with projects like 20 Once Again (2015), which he also co-produced.
Chen began dating Chen Tingxuan in 2012 after co-starring in Youth Power. Their real-life romance blossomed quietly over the years. Earlier in 2025, he proposed successfully, but now the couple’s future remains uncertain amid legal proceedings.
As the case unfolds, fans and the entertainment industry alike await the court’s decision, while many express disappointment at how one of Taiwan’s brightest stars has seemingly fallen from grace.