Taiwanese actor Darren Wang Talu has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after allegedly arranging a violent assault on a ride-hailing driver and a dispatch worker, according to Taiwanese media reports.
Wang was reportedly transferred to local prosecutors for questioning following his arrest. Authorities allege that after returning to Taiwan, the actor became dissatisfied with a vehicle dispatched by a ride-hailing platform. Prosecutors believe he then hired individuals to carry out violent attacks against both the driver and the platform’s dispatch worker. Sources familiar with the case said the assaults were particularly severe.
Wang’s manager issued a brief statement to Sing Tao Daily, a sister publication of The Standard, saying, “Thank you for your concern. Everything is under investigation.”
The arrest comes amid ongoing legal troubles for the actor. Last month, Wang was detained on suspicion of evading Taiwan’s mandatory military service. Prosecutors allege he attempted to avoid enlistment by enrolling as a student and by paying for falsified medical documents. That investigation remains active.
Officers from Taiwan’s Criminal Investigation Bureau reportedly searched Wang’s residence last month, conducting a one-hour search after informing him of the investigation. The New Taipei District Prosecutors Office said further details will be released once interrogation records are finalized.
Wang has previously faced public scrutiny over his education and military status. In 2015, he was reportedly sent to a military academy in New York due to poor academic performance. After returning to Taiwan, he entered the entertainment industry and stated publicly that he graduated from Juang Jing Vocational High School.
Subsequent reports revealed that Wang later enrolled at Toko University, first studying communication before repeating his first year in the performing arts department. Despite spending two years as a freshman, some claimed he was rarely seen attending classes, sparking speculation that the enrollment was used to delay military service.
At the time, Wang’s management denied any wrongdoing, saying the university chose not to publicize his enrollment to avoid disrupting other students. Wang also publicly denied attempting to evade service, stating he would fulfill his military obligations when required.
His latest arrest has reignited public debate surrounding celebrity accountability and Taiwan’s military service requirements, which mandate service for men between the ages of 18 and 36.
