On October 21, Taiwanese media reported that Hsiu Chieh-kai, alongside fellow celebrities Chen Bai Lin, Chang Shu Wei (of Energy), and Xiao Jie (of Lollipop F), was arrested and placed under investigation for military evasion.
According to New Talk , Xiu admitted to paying NT$150,000 (approximately USD 4,900) to forge medical records indicating he suffered from high blood pressure. His initial attempt to obtain an exemption failed, and he was assigned to civil service duties in New Taipei City in June 2016. However, just five months later, he was discharged early due to Alyssa Chia’s pregnancy—an exception allowed under Taiwanese law for those with a pregnant spouse and children under 12.
While legal at the time, the revelation that the pregnancy may have been used to cover up prior fraudulent behavior has caused widespread public backlash. Xiu’s reputation, long built on his “family-first” image, has taken a significant hit.
Alyssa Chia, visibly shaken, released a statement: “Cooperating with the investigation and clarifying the truth is everyone’s responsibility. But the sudden raid and arrest of my husband left my children frightened and me completely shocked.”
Fans once admired Xiu for stepping back from his career to support Chia and their children. Now, media and netizens alike are questioning whether the carefully cultivated “model husband” persona was a façade. His brief civil service tenure and alleged misuse of Chia’s pregnancy to shorten service have left a sour taste in the public’s mouth.
Public sympathy has quickly turned toward Alyssa Chia, whose life has been marked by personal hardship despite her glittering career. Prior to Xiu, she was married to wealthy Shanghai businessman Sun Zhihao. That relationship ended in scandal, as Chia was allegedly mistreated by her in-laws and suffered abuse from her husband.
She famously fought a bitter custody battle for her daughter, going so far as to hold a tearful press conference in 2010 after her ex-husband took the child abroad. Chia eventually gave up a sizable dowry and property rights to win custody.
Her acting career has included hit dramas such as Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre (2003) and The Unforgettable Memory, and she was once praised by Andy Lau as “the most beautiful actress under 170cm in Taiwan.”
As of now, Hsiu Chieh-kai faces legal consequences, and the damage to his public image may be irreversible. The case has not only disrupted his life but also dragged Alyssa Chia and their children into an emotional and media storm.
While Xiu awaits potential charges, the public now sees his once-celebrated “sacrifice for family” in a starkly different light. What began as admiration has turned into disillusionment, and Alyssa Chia once again finds herself navigating public heartbreak under the harsh spotlight of fame.
Sources: ETtoday, New Talk, Sina, Kenh14
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