Scandals related to the private lives of some celebrities were a hot topic of discussion in 2022. Actor Hong Dang and musician Ho Hoai Anh became the most-Googled names this year after being arrested in Spain for a sexual assault allegation. 

Singer Hien Ho faced public anger after images of her and a married man went viral. 

Many people called for a boycott of these celebrities.

“If artists don’t have a good heart, they should change their career because they may set a bad example to youth,” NghiaPh0572, a VietNamNet reader, said.

Reader Do Manh Hung suggested that agencies need to set strict regulations on celebrities because their behavior and lifestyles influence others, especially youth.

Reader Hoa Ng said audiences are now more knowledgeable and fairer, and won’t forgive idols’ personality mistakes. Though artists may be very good at their profession, they still will not find their position in the market if they lack personal ethics.

Reader VietPhuong wrote on VietNamNet: “Correct your faults and continue leading your life, but live in a humbler way. You should not turn up before the public until you are forgiven. You need to have self-respect."

VietPhuong showed photos posted by Hong Dang and Hoai Anh on their Facebook and social media recently looking happy and enjoying a good life after the scandal.

Reader Phong Luong Hoang commented that if Vietnam's agencies are as strict as Chinese, i.e., prohibit certain artists from performing before the public, no one would dare repeat the same mistakes.

Tunghia0915 commented that he cannot see any artist repenting for their sins and asking for forgiveness. “They (the artists) act as if they did not make mistakes,” he said. “We should boycott them”.

Reader Van Yen said audiences determine the fate and prosperity of artists. However, as people are easy to forgive, artists are never afraid of being at fault.

“All people have to observe laws, and their misbehavior must be condemned, let alone artists and celebrities. Boycotting will be the unavoidable end for a life of gross self-indulgence,” Linh Linh, a student, said.

Linh said she could not understand why state agencies have not issued any legal regulations prohibiting celebrities with moral violations from public appearances. China has been successful doing this.

“I heard that in some cases, they are fined several million VND. I believe that small amounts of money do nothing,” she said.

What happened with Hien Ho showed the strength of the public. Hien Ho was invited by a university to perform at a music event. However, she could not appear before the public because she faced strong opposition from students at the school. 

Bich Hanh