A Ho Chi Minh City official has signed a decision to fine a famed local singer over US$1,000 and suspend him for nine months after he wore inappropriate outfits adorned with strange accessories and badges in a concert in May. 

Huynh Minh Hung, well known as singer Dam Vinh Hung, was fined VND27.5 million ($1,070) and banned from performing for nine months, as per the decision passed by Tran Thi Dieu Thuy, vice-chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee.  

Hung had violated regulations on ‘art performances using costumes, words, sounds, images, gestures, means of expression, and methods of performing that are against Vietnam’s customs and traditions and negatively impact public health, morals, and social psychological health.'

Specifically, during the Dam Vinh Hung Live Concert 2024 held at Thiskyhall Sala in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City on May 4, Hung donned costumes festooned with weird badges to sing a series of songs in front of the audience.

His outfits, accessories, and badges were deemed to be unsuitable for his songs, the music show, and Vietnamese culture.

The Arts Council under the municipal Department of Culture and Sports issued a conclusion about his violations on June 12.

Therefore, a VND27.5-million fine was levied on him.

Besides, he was subjected to an additional penalty of nine months’ suspension.

The penalties took effect since the decision was signed on July 10.

“Huynh Minh Hung must strictly obey the decision. If he fails to accept the penalty and the fine, forced implementation will ensue," the decision reads.

The municipal Department of Culture and Sports had previously worked with Viet Voice Entertainment Company, which organized the concert, Dam Vinh Hung, and relevant individuals about the case.

The department demanded that the firm and these individuals enhance their political awareness and responsibility, and be mindful of performance costumes to avoid repeating past mistakes and causing public negativity.

Many social media users left their comments on some forums on the badges worn by Hung during his live concert, saying that they simulate the Special Service Medal, a decoration issued by the now-defunct Republic of Vietnam in wartime.

Following the online controversial discussions, the singer wrote a post on his social media account on May 6.

He affirmed that those badges are only normal accessories used to decorate his costumes, and do not bear any implication.

Some netizens translated the phrase ‘Marine Semper fi’ on one of these badges into ‘Marine Corps Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful),’ which is the motto of the United States Marine Corps.

Hung also offered an apology to the audience.

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