“Crazy Rich Asians” author Kevin Kwan is accused of dodging Singapore’s compulsory military service and could face up to three years in jail if convicted of draft-dodging.
“Mr. Kevin Kwan failed to register for National Service (NS) in 1990, despite notices and letters sent to his overseas address. He also stayed overseas without a valid exit permit,” Singapore’s Ministry of Defense said in a statement. “Mr Kwan is therefore wanted for defaulting on his NS obligations. In 1994, his application and subsequent appeal to renounce his Singapore citizenship without serving NS were rejected. Mr Kwan has committed offences under the Enlistment Act, and is liable to a fine of up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to three years upon conviction.”
A spokesperson for Kwan has not yet responded to TheWrap’s request for comment.
According to Newsweek, every male over the age of 18 is required in Singapore to serve two years of national service in the army, police or civil defense. The outlet also noted that Kwan was absent from the Singapore premiere of the film adaptation of “Crazy Rich Asians.”
The film version of “Crazy Rich Asians” was directed by Jon M. Chu and starred Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh, Awkwafina, Ken Jeong and Jimmy O. Yang. It scored a five-day opening of $35.3 million and a sequel is in development.