Bodyguards of Vietnam’s top stars: security, trust, and controversy

Editor’s note: The more famous a star becomes, the greater their need for security - not just one but often several bodyguards, especially at crowded public events. Some celebrities have spent billions of VND to hire personal security teams, with certain bodyguards becoming like family members after years of working together.

These professionals possess not only physical strength and agility but also loyalty, discretion, and a deep sense of responsibility. In this series, VietNamNet explores the little-known world of celebrity bodyguards in Vietnam and abroad, offering insight into this unique profession.

Various approaches to hiring bodyguards

At the recent 80th anniversary celebration of the August Revolution and Vietnam’s National Day, the image of a silver-haired bodyguard beside singer My Tam attracted public attention.

That man is Tung Yuki, a bodyguard, actor, and CEO, who has accompanied My Tam at major events for decades. She has said that only he makes her feel safe and secure in large crowds.

Even at regular music shows and fan meetings, My Tam is usually accompanied by a dedicated security team from stage to fan interaction.

Son Tung M-TP is also one of the artists most frequently seen with bodyguards. He is always escorted at concerts and events - not only in public areas but even in restricted-access venues.

In 2021, he hired 10 bodyguards for an appearance that lasted less than 30 minutes at a gaming event. In 2023, he arrived at a show in Ho Chi Minh City with a full security detail using black umbrellas to shield him from the cameras.

Rapper Binz has also been accompanied by sizable security teams at various events. During a 2022 music show in Da Nang, nearly 20 bodyguards escorted him into the venue. Back in 2020, he left another show under similarly tight security.

Singer Thanh Thao made headlines in 2023 when she was followed by dozens of bodyguards at an event in Hue. However, she clarified that they were provided by the organizers and not hired by her personally.

Likewise, after a video showed rapper Gonzo escorted by six bodyguards on the street, his management explained that the security team had been arranged by the music program.

Many Vietnamese artists turn to bodyguards as a necessary safeguard following controversies. For example, after being pepper-sprayed by anti-fans abroad in 2012, singer Dam Vinh Hung had bodyguards accompany him to every performance for an extended period. Singer Siu Black also relied on security during the period when rumors of financial trouble were circulating.

Singer My Tam is perhaps the only artist who has never sparked controversy for hiring bodyguards.

As an A-list star, her need for personal security is self-evident. More importantly, the way bodyguard Tùng Yuki and his team discreetly follow her without disrupting others is seen as a positive model.

Aside from My Tam, artists who have faced real threats to their safety - like Dam Vinh Hung and Siu Black - are generally met with understanding from the public.

However, most other cases often spark criticism for being excessive or using bodyguards inappropriately.

For instance, model Vu Hoang Diep once brought 26 bodyguards to a fashion show, which became a long-standing joke in the entertainment world for its blatant publicity stunt. Similarly, designer Do Manh Cuong was once flanked by a bodyguard during a model casting session in 2014, leaving many puzzled.

Photos and videos often show some celebrities being completely isolated from fans, surrounded only by a large security team - making them easy targets for public ridicule.

Even top stars like Son Tung M-TP can face backlash if their use of bodyguards seems excessive or theatrical - such as deploying black umbrellas to block camera views.

Years ago, the entertainment industry lacked professionalism, and idol culture was still emerging. Thus, celebrities surrounded by security were seen as aloof or pretentious.

In recent years, however, Vietnam’s entertainment scene has developed rapidly. Idol culture is now well-established, and the use of bodyguards has become more common and understandable.

Most events and productions now require security teams as a minimum standard. Without them, organizers are considered unprofessional.

The role of bodyguards - especially those serving public figures - has become a topic of increasing interest and discussion.

According to BodyguardStars, a recruitment platform for the entertainment industry, professional bodyguards must meet stringent criteria: physical fitness, martial arts skills, legal knowledge, quick reflexes, keen observation, and emergency first-aid training.

For those working with celebrities, additional skills are required, including crowd control, secure escorting through public spaces, media etiquette, confidentiality, and in some cases, foreign language proficiency.

As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, the role of bodyguards goes beyond basic security - they become part of the artist’s brand image and public identity.

The world of celebrity bodyguards in Vietnam remains full of fascinating stories, strict standards, and insider experiences yet to be fully revealed.