In a series of escalating controversies, Chu Thanh Huyền, the wife of Vietnamese football star Nguyễn Quang Hải, has found herself at the center of public scrutiny. On April 18, 2025, a complaint against her was officially transferred to the Hanoi Market Management Sub-Department by the Department of Pharmaceutical Management under the Ministry of Health. This action follows allegations that Huyền was involved in the sale of cosmetics without proper labeling and documentation, raising concerns of tax evasion and the distribution of smuggled goods.
The complaint, which dates back to March 25, 2025, claims that Huyền was marketing OHUI PRIME rose water cosmetics from Korea without the required Vietnamese labels and without issuing sales invoices. This has prompted regulatory bodies to step in and investigate her business practices.
On April 17, a leader from the Department of Pharmaceutical Management confirmed the transfer of the complaint, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations. "We received the complaint and have acted in accordance with the law to ensure proper handling of the situation," the official stated.
Huyền, who gained fame through her online cosmetics business and livestream selling, has been no stranger to controversy. Previously, in June 2024, she was accused of plagiarizing images from another brand to promote her products. At that time, she defended herself by claiming that her competitor was attempting to sabotage her reputation.
In addition to the cosmetic allegations, Huyền has also faced backlash for promoting a Korean milk product ostensibly intended for children. Around mid-March 2025, she was criticized for advertising a milk product that she claimed was suitable for her then 7-8 month old son. However, public outrage ensued when it was revealed that the manufacturer recommended the product for children aged two years and older.
In a video posted in February 2025, Huyền enthusiastically introduced the milk product, emphasizing its benefits for children and even stating that her son enjoyed it. This led many parents to express their disapproval, citing the age restrictions on the product. Responding to the backlash, Huyền clarified on March 14, 2025, that she had researched the product and believed it was safe for her son to try in small amounts. She later apologized, admitting that she had not made it clear that her comments reflected her personal experience.
Despite her efforts to address the controversy, the damage had been done. The advertisement for the milk product was subsequently removed from her social media accounts. Huyền's public image took another hit when she was accused of improperly handling debts, with claims that she owed between 5 to 6 billion VND and had been uncooperative with creditors.
On March 21, 2025, Huyền engaged in a public feud with a former close friend, known only as H., on social media. The fallout from their relationship included accusations that Huyền had behaved inappropriately and that their friendship had deteriorated since November 2024. H. alleged that Huyền's business practices had caused financial strain, requiring her to reach out directly to Quang Hải for payment.
As the controversies surrounding Huyền continue to unfold, she was recently spotted on April 17, 2025, flaunting a luxurious Chanel bag and a watch valued at 700 million VND. This display of wealth has drawn further attention and criticism, especially in light of the financial allegations against her.
As of now, Huyền has not publicly responded to the latest allegations regarding the complaint or the ongoing scrutiny of her business practices. The public remains divided, with some defending her as a successful entrepreneur navigating the complexities of fame, while others are calling for accountability.
These developments come at a time when public figures in Vietnam are increasingly under the microscope, especially regarding their business dealings and social media influence. The scrutiny faced by Chu Thanh Huyền highlights the challenges of maintaining a public persona while managing the expectations and criticisms that come with it.
As the investigation progresses, it remains to be seen how Huyền will navigate these challenges and whether she will address the allegations directly. The outcome could have significant implications not only for her career but also for the broader landscape of online commerce and celebrity endorsements in Vietnam.
