Energy Member Chang Shu-wei Pleads Guilty to Draft Dodging, Cites Job Preservation, Seeks Probation

(Central News Agency, reporter Cao Ya-yan, New Taipei City, 12th) Chang Shu-wei, a member of the male group Energy, was indicted for evading military service and pleaded guilty during a preparatory hearing at the New Taipei District Court today. His defense attorney stated that he committed the crime to preserve his job opportunities at the time and requested a light sentence or probation. The prosecution, however, pointed out that Chang maintained a侥幸 attitude until he was detained and only then confessed, which contradicts his alleged intention to surrender.

The New Taipei District Prosecutors Office and police began investigating the draft-dodging case in February last year. They uncovered that several entertainers had contacted the main suspect, Chen Chih-ming, to forge hypertension diagnoses to avoid military service. In October last year, the prosecutors detained Hsiu Chieh-kai, Chen Bo-lin, Hsieh Kun-da, Chang Shu-wei, Liao Yun-jie, and others. In November, they were indicted for obstructing military service and forging documents, with a specific sentence of 2 years and 8 months requested.

The New Taipei District Court held a preparatory hearing today. Chang admitted to all charges in court, stating that he met Chen Chih-ming through a friend and paid him between NT$100,000 and NT$200,000 to handle the matter. He could not recall the exact amount but said he paid in cash.

The defense attorney argued that Chang was in financial difficulty at the time. When members left Energy, his work opportunities sharply decreased. Facing the economic pressure of supporting his parents, he made the decision to preserve his job. The defense also claimed that the period of service he avoided was one year, and the damage caused was not significant.

The defense further stated that during the first two waves of the investigation, Chang considered surrendering but feared affecting other members as the group had just made a comeback. He intended to handle the matter more cautiously but was detained before he could surrender. Noting that his work is currently suspended with no income, and his wife just gave birth to twins and needs to recuperate, the defense argued that as the sole breadwinner of the family, he should receive a lenient sentence or probation.

Regarding the defense's claim of a one-year service period, which differs from the indictment, the public prosecutor stated that Chang was born in 1980 and underwent his conscription physical examination in 1999. This is unrelated to the 2008 amendment to the Military Service Act, and his service period should be 1 year and 10 months. The prosecutor suggested consulting the Conscription Agency of the Ministry of the Interior.

The public prosecutor further pointed out that evidence from Chang's phone showed that even when the draft-dodging case made headlines in February last year, Chang maintained a侥幸 attitude. He only confessed when he was detained in October last year and could no longer conceal his actions, which completely contradicts his claim of intending to surrender.

When leaving the court, Chang bowed to the media and apologized. He said he was sorry for the mistake that affected the fairness of military service and apologized again to the public. He stated that he would continue to reflect and cooperate with the judicial investigation during the subsequent trial.

Additionally, during today's hearing, an individual believed to be a relative of Chang's was caught by the judge taking photos with a mobile phone from the public gallery. The judge ordered court personnel to check the phone and delete the images, and instructed the bailiff to supervise. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150612