More Stars Come Forward in Taiwan’s Explosive Draft Dodging Scandal
As Taiwan’s high-profile draft dodging investigation unfolds, new claims of threats, deception, and intimidation have surfaced, pulling more public figures into the spotlight. During a recent court session, three celebrities alleged they were coerced or misled by the alleged ringleader of the so-called “Draft Dodging Syndicate,” known as “Brother Hei.”

Stage Actor and Ex-Idol Allege Threats

Stage actor Huang Bo-shih testified that he once told “Brother Hei” he no longer wanted to fake medical issues to evade conscription. However, he claims the syndicate leader responded with threats, leading him to continue the deceit out of fear for his family’s safety.

Former boy band SpeXial member Teddy offered an emotional 10-minute testimony, stating he was duped into believing a legal loophole existed. He said Brother Hei convinced him he could exploit a diagnosis of secondary hypertension to avoid military service. Teddy claims it wasn’t until he was instructed to wear a 24-hour blood pressure monitor that he realized the actions were illegal. Nevertheless, with no way out, he went along.

Court Pushback and Public Scrutiny

When asked why he didn’t stop after realizing the illegality, Teddy explained that he genuinely thought he had symptoms that justified the diagnosis and lacked knowledge of the exemption application process. The judge, however, was skeptical, noting that the so-called “trick” seemed to be nothing more than paying for falsified documents. His legal team defended his actions by citing Teddy’s lack of medical expertise.

More Investigations Ahead

Actor William also claimed he paid NT$500,000 to the group under pressure, further widening the scandal’s scope. While none of the accused have been convicted, their allegations against Brother Hei are now part of a separate investigation.
The incident has reignited calls for stricter penalties. Taiwan’s Supreme Prosecutors Office has advocated raising the maximum prison term for such offenses to seven years.

As the scandal continues to unfold, Taiwan’s entertainment industry braces for more names to surface raising uncomfortable questions about privilege, accountability, and military duty in the public eye.

Sources: Yahoo News