Huynh Minh Hung, well known as singer Dam Vinh Hung, is now banned from releasing new music on online platforms for the next nine months, a penalty imposed by Ho Chi Minh City officials after he wore inappropriate outfits adorned with strange accessories and badges in a concert in May.

A representative of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports said the platforms include TikTok, YouTube, and others.

The punishment has taken effect since a decision on it was signed on July 10, the official said, adding he is also barred from performing during these nine months. 

Earlier, he had been fined VND27.5 million (US$1,070) for his act, which 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.'

Those organizers that let Hung perform in any of their shows during the nine months will be fined VND20-25 million ($784-980) each. 

On Friday afternoon, Hung wrote on his Facebook account that he is in the U.S. for performances scheduled several months earlier.

He made an apology to the audience and his fans, adding that he would return to Vietnam early to cooperate with relevant agencies to deal with all related problems.

During the Dam Vinh Hung Live Concert 2024 held at Thiskyhall Sala in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City on May 4, the singer 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.

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

Many social media users commented on forums about the badges worn by Hung during his live concert, noting that they resemble the Special Service Medal, a decoration issued by the now-defunct Republic of Vietnam during wartime.

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.

Like us on Facebook or  follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!