Home karaoke is still perceived as a terror for many Vietnamese residents as authorities have been powerless to solve the problem while it is too risky, and even deadly, for the locals to take matters into their own hands.

It is quite common to hear karaoke noise in almost every neighborhood across Vietnam since many people prefer to showing off their ‘talent’ at the comfort of their homes instead of using services at a karaoke parlor.

This type of activities often take place during parties, but sometimes an actual occasion is not necessary.

While home karaoke can be a joy to some, others consider it a nightmare to their daily lives as the singing can be deafening and last for hours, even until late at night.

Many victims would choose to keep silent and endure the 'torturing.' Others who have had enough would confront the source of the problem, but may end up regretting their decision.

On the night of October 7, Nguyen Van Phuoc, 28, a P.E. teacher in the southern province of Binh Duong, told a group of young men living next door to end the karaoke singing.

A fierce argument later broke out and resulted in Phuoc being stabbed to death by two of the men.

Neighbors said the group of men had been drinking and singing since the afternoon of the same day, adding that it was not the first time they cause this much noise.

Officers prove the scene after Nguyen Van Phuoc was stabbed in the southern province of Binh Duong on October 7, 2018. Photo: Tuoi Tre

In another case, K., a 45-year-old resident in Ho Chi Minh City was hospitalized on October 1 after being stabbed by his neighbor following a confrontation.

K. and his wife was having a party at home and were singing karaoke until 11:00 pm that day, which upset the neighbor.

Powerless

H., a victim of in-home karaoke in District 8, Ho Chi Minh City, said she had reported the issue to local authorities for many times.

“They all said it was difficult to deal with,” H. continued.

Le Hong Dong, chief inspector of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism in the Mekong City of Can Tho, said the agency had asked district-level administrations to raise awareness of noise pollution among residents.

Similarly, authorities in the Mekong Delta province of Hau Giang can do no better than reminding local residents of noise limits.

Specific regulations and penalties regarding in-home karaoke have yet to be promulgated by the state, said an official in Binh Duong Province.

People sing karaoke along the sidewalk in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Tien Giang Province is one of the few localities which have been taking more assertive actions against noise violations, particularly karaoke.

Aside from raising awareness of the issue, competent authorities will start fining violators after every three violations.

In order to execute the plan, the provincial Department of Culture, Sport, and Tourism has coordinated with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, police units, and local press.

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