Actor Xiu Jie Kai Reveals He Paid $5,000 to Fake High Blood Pressure for Military Exemption

Taiwanese actor Xiu Jie Kai has recently admitted to police that he paid NT$150,000 (approximately US$4,900) in a bid to simulate high blood pressure and evade military service. This confession comes after his arrest amid an investigation into a “military evasion ring.”

The 42-year-old actor became well-known in Singapore through his role in the popular Mediacorp drama Emerald Hill. Along with Xiu, nine other individuals, including actor Chen Bolin and singer Chang Shuwei, were also taken in for questioning.

This investigation is linked to a larger probe that began earlier in the year and focuses on celebrities who allegedly falsified medical records to avoid mandatory military duties.

In recent months, a number of stars, including Daniel Chen and Jushe Lee from boyband Choc7, have faced similar legal issues.

Reports from Taiwanese media indicate that Xiu confessed to securing funds to feign a health condition in hopes of being deemed unfit for military service. However, after undergoing medical evaluations, he was found eligible for alternative service.

Initially, Xiu sought to gain a complete exemption but ultimately decided to enlist. In June 2016, he was assigned to the Civil Affairs Bureau in New Taipei City, where he even served as an ambassador against drug use.

After five months of service, Xiu received an early discharge due to his wife, actress Alyssa Chia, expecting their second child. Under Taiwan’s regulations, servicemen may apply for early release if they have two children under the age of 12 or one child under 12 and a pregnant spouse.

Chen Bolin’s Military Service Exemption Under Scrutiny

Chen Bolin, who is also 42 years old, was detained on the same day as Xiu. He previously faced criticism regarding his own military service exemption due to asthma, which he explained in 2011 following official medical assessments.

At that time, Chen stated, “It’s not something to brag about – there’s no pride in this,” underscoring that he had not attempted to avoid service. However, the recent investigation has reopened discussions surrounding his exemption, and authorities are reviewing his medical history.

According to reports, Chen expressed feeling mentally prepared since the exposure of the Wang Ta Lu case earlier this year, which had been weighing heavily on him. He reportedly felt a sense of relief upon his detention.

Similarly, Chang Shuwei from Energy, 44, was diagnosed with hereditary thalassemia, which granted him exemption from military duties. Following his detention, scrutiny of his medical history has intensified.

The boyband Energy made a nostalgic comeback in 2023, but this controversy has overshadowed their resurgence, leaving fans in shock.