At the recent celebration and parade marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and Vietnam’s National Day, the image of a white-haired bodyguard next to singer My Tam drew public attention.

He was bodyguard, actor, and CEO Tung Yuki, a long-time companion of My Tam at major events for decades. She once said he makes her feel safe and secure in crowded places. At most events and concerts, My Tam is accompanied by a security team that protects her everywhere, from stage performances to fan meetings.

Son Tung M-TP is also one of the most frequent users of bodyguards. He is always flanked by security personnel at concerts and events, not only in public spaces but also at controlled-access venues.

In 2021, he hired 10 bodyguards for less than 30 minutes of appearance at an event  the gaming brand he partnered with. In 2023, he arrived at a performance venue in HCMC under the cover of black umbrellas held by his security team to shield his image.

Rapper Binz also appears at events and concerts with a large entourage of bodyguards. At a music program in Da Nang in 2022, he was escorted by nearly 20 security personnel into the event area. Previously, in 2020, he also left a performance venue with a heavy security escort.

Singer Thanh Thao once stirred discussion when she showed up with tens of bodyguards at an event in Hue in 2023. She later clarified that the bodyguards were provided by the organizers.

Similarly, after a video showed rapper Gonzo being escorted by six bodyguards on the street, his management company explained that the security team was arranged by a music program.

Many Vietnamese artists have turned to bodyguards as a necessary solution after scandals. For example, after being attacked with pepper spray by anti-fans abroad in 2012, singer Dam Vinh Hung hired bodyguards to closely follow him during performances for an extended period. Singer Siu Black also relied on bodyguard services while performing during rumors of financial debt.

Criticism

My Tam is the only artist who has never faced criticism for hiring bodyguards. As an S-tier star, her need for bodyguards to ensure personal safety is widely understood. More importantly, the discreet and professional conduct of Tung Yuki and her bodyguards, avoiding disturbance to others, has earned praise from fans.

Besides My Tam, the artists who clearly faced threats to their safety and really need protection, like Dam Vinh Hung or Siu Black, also receive public sympathy.

Meanwhile, most of the other cases draw criticism for being seen as inappropriate or using the service for the wrong reasons.

For instance, model Vu Hoang Diep bringing 26 bodyguards to a fashion show became a laughingstock in the entertainment industry for years due to its blatant publicity stunt. Similarly, designer Do Manh Cuong having bodyguards closely follow him during a model casting for his 2014 personal show puzzled audiences.

Many photos and videos show some artists with no one approaching them, and even no fans around except for a large team of bodyguards, making them easy targets for public ridicule.

Even famous stars like Son Tung M-TP may be criticized for going overboard, such as using umbrellas to block cameras or hiring excessive bodyguards, seen as unnecessary or too dramatic.

Returning bodyguards to their true role

Years ago, the entertainment market was still unprofessional, and the idol culture was weak, so the image of artists surrounded by bodyguards seemed unfamiliar and sparked debate.

In recent years, Vietnam's entertainment industry has grown rapidly. Idol culture is well established, and the demand for bodyguards has become increasingly common.

Events and programs now treat professional security as a basic requirement. Without it, organizers may be seen as unprofessional.

The bodyguard profession, especially those who serve celebrities, has become a topic of public interest and discussion.

According to BodyguardStars, a recruitment platform for celebrity security, a bodyguard requires strong physical health, martial arts skills, legal knowledge, sharp observation, quick reflexes, and basic medical skills.

However, celebrity bodyguards also need to manage crowds, protect clients in crowded movement, behave professionally in front of cameras and media, maintain strict client confidentiality, and sometimes even speak foreign languages.

As the entertainment industry becomes more professional, the role of bodyguards goes beyond protection, and it becomes part of the artist’s image and brand.

Hai Au