Taiwanese actor Darren Wang, also known as Wang Ta Lu, is at the center of a legal controversy following his investigation for attempted murder. According to reports, the charges stem from an April 2024 incident in which the actor allegedly orchestrated an attack on a ride-hailing driver and a dispatcher.
Amid the ongoing legal proceedings, here’s a closer look at his career and past controversies.
Who Is Taiwanese Actor Darren Wang?
1. Darren Wang is best known for his breakout role in “Our Times.”
In 2015, Darren Wang gained widespread recognition for playing Hsu Tai-yu in the Taiwanese film Our Times. Starring alongside Vivian Sung, he portrayed a high school gang leader who develops an unexpected connection with Lin Cheng-hsin, a quiet and unassuming student.
The film follows Lin Zhen Xin, an ordinary office worker who reminisces about her high school years after listening to an old Andy Lau song. A chain of events leads her to cross paths with Hsu Tai Yu, the school’s notorious troublemaker, and the two form an unlikely bond. The movie was a major box office success, grossing CN¥110 million in its first four days in mainland China. The movie remains one of Taiwan’s highest-grossing films in the region.
2. He made his debut in the 2008 series “Mysterious Incredible Terminator.”
Darren’s first appearance in the entertainment industry came in 2008 when he played a minor role in the Taiwanese drama Mysterious Incredible Terminator. The show followed a secret team investigating mysterious occurrences at Sheng Ying School. The actor appeared as Yang Sheng Kai in Episode 3, marking his earliest credited acting role.
3. He is said to have attended military school in New York.
According to outlets like Singapore’s 8Days, Darren’s father sent him to a military school in New York due to his lack of interest in academics. Reports state that he struggled during his time there, often breaking down from exhaustion. Eventually, he returned to Taiwan, where he was discovered by a talent scout and later pursued an acting career.
4. He was previously arrested for evading military service.
Taiwanese men are required to complete one year of mandatory military service by the age of 36. However, Darren was previously arrested for allegedly attempting to evade conscription. According to The Straits Times, authorities arrested him at his home on February 18, alongside nine others reportedly involved, but the actor was later released on NT$150,000 (approx. P260,000) bail.
Reports suggest that the actor was involved in a scheme where individuals paid crime syndicates to fabricate medical conditions to secure exemptions. Allegedly, he paid NT$1 million and faked a heart condition to avoid enlistment. Taiwanese news outlet ETToday reported that speculation about the actor dodging military service dates back to 2015, when he was accused of using his student status to delay conscription. At the time, he denied the rumors, stating, “I’m still young, why is there a need to dodge enlistment? I’ll serve when the time comes for me to do so.”
5. He is reportedly under investigation for attempted murder.
On March 4, ETToday reported that Darren Wang is under investigation for alleged attempted murder. According to Taiwanese news source SETN, the incident dates back to April 2024, when the actor allegedly arranged for gang members to assault a ride-hailing driver and a dispatcher. The conflict reportedly started when Darren booked an airport transfer but was dissatisfied with the Tesla that arrived.
According to TVBS, Darren Wang argued with the driver over route detours, and after exiting the car, he realized he had left his keys inside. Unable to open the door, he allegedly punched the car window, escalating the situation. Reports state that through a wealthy acquaintance, Darren contacted gang members who then attacked the driver and dispatcher, leaving them severely injured.
While the crime was initially reported, Darren’s involvement was only discovered during the investigation into his military evasion case. Authorities reportedly found incriminating messages and photos on his seized phone, suggesting he had bragged about the assault to friends.
Darren Wang, along with another suspect, was questioned by the New Taipei District Prosecutors Office, and a search was conducted at multiple locations. As reported by Liberty Times, the case remains under investigation, and his military enlistment on March 13 remains uncertain due to the ongoing legal proceedings. His manager has responded to media inquiries, stating, “We’re trying to get an understanding of the matter at the moment. Thank you.”
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