Ho Chi Minh City takes strong action against artists who violate standards, Jack, HIEUTHUHAI, Phao are named

A recently issued document has made young artists "restless". Ho Chi Minh City officially requested not to invite artists with inappropriate lyrics or deviant behavior to participate in cultural events - a move that has shocked the Vietnamese music industry.

On October 24, 2025, the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee's Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department issued a dispatch that attracted special attention from the artist community. Accordingly, the City requested that event organizers, festivals, and cultural and artistic programs consider not inviting artists whose works, behaviors, or statements go against cultural norms and customs.

The list of names mentioned is not short, including many famous faces in the rap and youth music world such as Jack ( J97 ), HIEUTHUHAI , Phao, Andree , Bray , Dat G, Gducky... along with a series of songs that are considered to have vulgar and inappropriate language, promote a loose lifestyle or attack individuals.

According to the document, some recent songs have used slang and wordplay in controversial ways, even being considered obscene. Many songs have also been criticized for depicting gangster lifestyles, using stimulants, or showing complacency and disrespect for the audience. These manifestations, according to the authorities, are distorting aesthetic values and negatively affecting young people.

Notably, the document does not stop at warning, but also specifically requests: music programs in Ho Chi Minh City - from tea rooms, social events to outdoor performances - must comply with legal regulations and cultural standards. Artists with deviant behavior or products will be "considered not to invite" to participate in the City's official activities.

This move immediately caused a wave of debate. Some people believe that this is a necessary step to protect a healthy artistic environment, especially in the context of social networks that are causing music to spread quickly and without censorship. However, there are also concerns about the boundary between "deviant" and "creative", between "lack of standards" and "innovative".

Representatives of some of the artists named have spoken out. Jack's side affirmed that his new song carries a positive message, encouraging young people to believe in their own values, denying the use of vulgar wordplay. Meanwhile, HIEUTHUHAI's management company said that the song "Trinh" aims to convey the spirit of effort and family orientation, and does not promote social evils.

However, the reaction from the audience was quite polarized. Some people thought that the explanation was "too late" and unconvincing, especially when the lyrics had spread widely and caused controversy. Some people also asked: is the artist taking advantage of the ambiguity in language to create a media effect?

More than just a few names, this document opens a larger conversation: where is Vietnamese music going? As the line between art and inappropriateness becomes thinner, is there a need for a stronger cultural "filter"? And if so, who will be the one to judge creativity?

Ho Chi Minh City has spoken out. Artists are being called out. And the public - music lovers - should probably ask themselves: what are we listening to, and how is it affecting us?

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