Taiwanese society is shaken as a series of draft evasion scandals involving celebrities comes to light. Amid the controversy, local media have cited K-pop group BTS, suggesting that Taiwan should “take a page from Korea’s playbook.”
According to reports from TVBS, Taipei Times, and ETtoday on April 1, Chu Cheng, a popular singer and actor, was arrested at his apartment in New Taipei City. Images show him handcuffed and being escorted to the police station.
Chu allegedly paid NT$300,000–400,000 (approximately 14–19 million KRW) to obtain a forged medical certificate claiming 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, businesspeople, and doctors—a total of 28 people, including brokers who facilitated the evasion. The New Taipei prosecutor’s office and police subsequently carried out a large-scale crackdown, arresting around 10 additional individuals, including Chu.
Taiwanese media highlighted the stark contrast with Korea, noting that K-pop stars like BTS and EXO completed their military service despite global fame. Netizens criticized local celebrities, saying, “BTS went to the army even though they’re world-famous,” “Look at Korea and learn,” and “Is Taiwan’s standard lower than Korea’s?”
BTS began their military service with Jin in December 2022, followed by RM, V, Jimin, Jungkook, and Suga, all of whom were discharged by June 2025. Their first album after completing service, Arirang, including the title track SWIM, topped the Billboard 200, Hot 100, UK Official Albums Chart, and Japan Oricon Weekly Streaming Rankings. Jin shared on Weverse Live that it felt especially rewarding to release an album after all members had fulfilled their military duty.
Sources: Daum | 조선일보