Actor Darren Wang to begin alternative military service amid legal troubles

Taipei, March 11 (CNA) Taiwanese actor Darren Wang (王大陸) is set to begin his one-year alternative military service on Thursday, amid ongoing legal issues, the Ministry of the Interior said on Tuesday.

Wang, who was released on NT$150,000 (US$4,583) bail last month for allegedly attempting to evade military service and forging documents, has been ordered to report to Taipei Main Station at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, according to the Alternative Military Service Training and Management Center.

The 33-year-old will join approximately 1,300 other conscripts in the 263rd cohort of general alternative service for training at the Chenggong Ling military camp in Taichung, a center official told CNA.

Wang will first undergo 26 days of basic training before being assigned to a designated service unit, the official said.

During the training period, Wang will participate in disaster response exercises, entry-level emergency medical technician (EMT-1) training, simulated and live-fire shooting drills, team-building activities such as rock climbing, and physical fitness tests, including a 3,000-meter run and push-ups, the official said.

Wang's enlistment follows allegations of violating the Act of Offenses Against Military Service and document forgery. More recently, he was accused of instructing gang members to assault a driver through a friend, for which he was released on NT$5 million bail.

The center confirmed that Wang may request leave during his service to attend court hearings as required.

Under Taiwan's conscription system, men born before 1993 are required to serve one year in alternative service if eligible.