Don't let the fans "boycott" you.

Recently, a male singer in Vietnamese showbiz became the center of controversy on social media when he introduced a series of terms and conditions regarding the operation of his social media page for his fans. What's noteworthy is that these terms were quite harsh and critical of his own fans, causing many to become upset and turn from fans to boycotts.

Fans are upset.

Through self-imposed rules, singer TN clearly outlines the goals and operating principles of his fan club, conveying a message to his fans and establishing boundaries between the artist, his team, and his fans.

Male singer TN at a music show with a large fan base. Photo: FBNV

Some commentators noted that the language and metaphors used by artist TN in the post were witty and humorous, reflecting the singer's unique and consistent style. However, controversy still erupted surrounding "sensitive" phrases such as the assertion that everything fans do is voluntary, "so no one is allowed to request it," or the description of female fans as "gossipy"... The post received considerable opposition and indignation, with numerous comments on social media platforms suggesting that the male singer was displaying an attitude of "not needing fans."

Nguyen Thuy Trang (born in 2001), a former active member of singer TN's fan club, expressed her disappointment: "I've followed him for a long time, always wholeheartedly supporting his music and actively participating in his projects to celebrate him. But now, I and many others are disappointed because we feel he's gradually disregarding the fans' attention, interacting less and ignoring them. When I read his recent post, I felt shocked, like I'd been hit with a cold shower."

Sharing Thuy Trang's sentiment, many opinions suggest that the male singer is bluntly exposing the distance between fans and the artist, pushing them away from their role in supporting the artist. "Even as someone who isn't a fan, I feel upset for those who spend money and effort supporting their idol only to be treated like this. The attitude and communication style seem condescending and disrespectful to fans," one user commented, receiving significant support and reflecting the views of a considerable portion of the audience who once loved the singer. The uproar culminated in the official announcement of the closure of several fan communities, with many young people even declaring they were "leaving the fan club."

The two sides of idol culture

The outrage and "outburst" from the male singer TN's fan club is not an isolated case in the Vietnamese entertainment industry. In 2022, singer Dong Nhi also faced controversy when she posted a confrontational message to a fan, which was considered aggressive and confrontational, questioning a long-time fan about copyright issues. Witnessing the events, many commented that the artist's behavior escalated a not-so-serious situation. The famous singer's post did not receive much support; instead, some viewers found it offensive and chose to turn their backs on her. From being one of the leading artists in showbiz, with widespread influence and a large fan base, Dong Nhi faced a difficult period in her career, being "boycotted" by some viewers.

The idol culture can be seen as a "double-edged sword." If handled poorly, even famous artists risk losing their devoted and loyal fans. Fans are willing to invest time, money, and effort to support their idols, but this comes with certain demands and expectations. When their investment and fervent affection are not reciprocated adequately, a backlash is inevitable. This isn't unique to the Vietnamese entertainment market; the global showbiz industry has witnessed many cases of artists' reputations plummeting, or even being "wiped out," due to conflicts with their fan communities.

The controversy surrounding singer TN's self-imposed rules for fans serves as a reminder to celebrities that, besides talent, tactful and subtle behavior is crucial for maintaining a professional image, attracting and retaining fans. As influential figures, artists need to be cautious and thoughtful in their words and actions, especially in their relationships with their fan community – the audience who always stand by them and are a key factor in building their reputation.

LAN VY

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/dung-de-nguoi-ham-mo-tay-chay-post832297.html