The Vietnamese entertainment scene is currently buzzing with contrasting narratives surrounding two significant events: the social media scandal involving streamer ViruSs and the unexpected success of the music video (MV) "Bac Bling" by Hoa Minzy.
Recently, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam took an active interest in the ongoing social media controversy surrounding streamer ViruSs. This investigation was prompted by allegations of emotional manipulation during his livestreams, where he and others involved engaged in what has been termed "love accusations". These sessions reached a peak viewership of 1.6 million, according to Tien Phong newspaper on March 31, 2025.
As the livestreams gained traction, opinions began to diverge sharply. Some viewers felt drawn into a narrative that purported to champion justice, while critics argued that ViruSs was merely exploiting their emotions for personal profit. This sentiment was echoed by observers who noted that the organizers of these livestreams seemed to be leading viewers astray, creating an illusion of support for a cause, while the reality was more about financial gain for ViruSs.
In the wake of these events, both sides of the "love accusations" released songs filled with veiled criticisms and harsh lyrics aimed at one another. Remarkably, one of these songs garnered over 3 million views within just 24 hours of its release, securing the second spot on YouTube's trending music videos.
Amidst this chaos, another story was unfolding in the Vietnamese music industry. The MV "Bac Bling", a collaborative effort between comedian Xuân Hinh, musician Tuấn Cry, and singer Hoa Minzy, has taken the Vpop scene by storm. The MV, which showcases the cultural beauty of Bắc Ninh, received widespread acclaim for its catchy lyrics and polished production. It quickly ascended to the top of music charts in Vietnam, including YouTube and Zing MP3, within just one day of its release.
Hoa Minzy, reflecting on the journey of her career, shared that after ten years in the industry, she finally managed to gather many people from her hometown for a music project. Mr. Hà Văn Chuyền, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Lac Xá neighborhood where the MV was filmed, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating that it honors the cultural beauty and people of Bắc Ninh.
As the buzz around "Bac Bling" continued, it achieved a remarkable milestone by reaching 100 million views on YouTube. Xuân Hinh commented on the significance of creating art that reflects national culture while still resonating with contemporary audiences. He praised Hoa Minzy for her serious investment and attention to detail in producing a high-quality product.
However, the excitement surrounding "Bac Bling" faced an unexpected twist on April 10, 2025, when the MV suddenly disappeared from YouTube's trending charts. This shocking turn of events occurred just as the MV was leading in views among current Vpop releases, having accumulated 134 million views in just over a month and consistently gaining 1 to 2 million views daily.
Despite the initial shock, the disappearance was attributed to YouTube's algorithm, which imposes a time limit on how long a video can remain on the trending list. Since "Bac Bling" had been trending since March 1, it exceeded the platform's allowed display time. This situation is not unprecedented, as other successful MVs, like Sơn Tùng's "Chúng Ta Của Tương Lai", have faced similar fates.
What remains significant is that despite its removal from the trending list, "Bac Bling" continues to resonate with audiences. The MV has sparked a cultural wave, inspiring TikTok users and dance covers, solidifying its status as a potential "national hit" of 2025. The success of "Bac Bling" is a testament to Hoa Minzy's bold decision to incorporate the folk colors of Northern Vietnam into a modern, trendy musical context, thus merging entertainment with cultural value.
In a broader context, General Secretary Tô Lâm recently emphasized the need for creativity and contribution from artists to build an advanced Vietnamese culture that retains its national identity. He underscored the importance of artistic efforts in fostering a prosperous and happy nation, highlighting the vital role each artist plays in this endeavor.
This sentiment resonates with the contrasting paths of figures like ViruSs and Hoa Minzy, both of whom emerged in the post-reunification era and share a passion for music. However, their approaches diverge significantly; ViruSs seems to prioritize sensationalism and controversy, while Hoa Minzy focuses on cultural expression and artistic integrity.
As the entertainment landscape evolves, the contrasting narratives of ViruSs and Hoa Minzy serve as a reflection of the broader cultural dynamics at play in Vietnam. The ongoing investigation into the streamer’s conduct and the celebration of the MV's success highlight the diverse ways in which artists engage with their audiences and the responsibilities that come with their influence.
In the end, the Vietnamese public's appetite for both sensational drama and culturally rich music underscores a complex relationship with entertainment that continues to unfold. As artists navigate this landscape, the call for authenticity and meaningful contributions to culture remains paramount.
