Actor Hsieh Jiekai admits flash‑soldier scheme, seeks lenient sentence

Actor Hsieh Jiekai appeared before the New Taipei District Court and admitted that, through an introduction by Xie Kunda, he paid NT$150,000 to broker Chen Zhimin to falsify medical records and obtain a lighter military classification. He acknowledged the charges under the Military Service Act and related statutes and said he will continue to reflect on his actions.

His defense argues that he ultimately served alternative service for family reasons, that the alteration of his service classification was minor, and that he has performed well during his alternative service and engaged in public‑welfare activities. The prosecution seeks a custodial sentence of two years and eight months, while his lawyers request a sentence of less than six months with probation. The court adjourned the case for a further hearing.

The case is part of a broader investigation that uncovered several entertainers involved in the “flash‑soldier” scheme, in which individuals pay to have medical measurements falsified to avoid regular conscription.