Money is valuable, but don't lose your national pride.

In recent days, social media has been outraged by the discovery that numerous artists such as Viet Huong, Hoai Tam, Phan Dinh Tung, Pham Khanh Hung, Toc Tien, Myra Tran, etc., have had their past performances in the US dug up again.

Notably, in these performances, these singers and artists shared the stage with groups that made politically sensitive statements, or they performed under the three-striped flag (representing the former Republic of Vietnam). Another point that netizens have noticed is that most of the artists performing under the three-striped flag have lived and settled in the United States for a long time. Many consider living, working in the arts, and serving the Vietnamese community in the US as their primary focus.

Phan Dinh Tung performs with a three-striped flag behind him (Screenshot).

Notably, after being discovered by the online community, these singers and artists all issued apologies. Most of them claimed to be patriotic and devoted to their nation, never speaking ill of the Party or the State… They explained that the images were unintentional, not deliberate, and that the images were even arranged by the producers, and they were simply caught in the crossfire.

Netizens jokingly commented that the artists weren't apologizing for singing and performing under the three-striped flag, but simply because they were discovered or about to be discovered!

In light of these sensitive images, patriotic citizens believe that these artists should be strongly boycotted. They demand that authorities take strict action, even resorting to "banning" them from performing, and especially that television stations should prohibit their broadcasts.

Regarding this controversy, several artists in the Vietnamese showbiz industry have also spoken out. A prime example is singer Du Thien, who stated that he has been invited to perform abroad many times, and has had to decline invitations on numerous occasions when he deemed the programs unsuitable or sensitive.

The singer also stated that personal gain or the interests of any organization cannot compromise national pride and image. He firmly asserted that he would not compromise for money with the desires of partners who harbor ill intentions towards his nation. He also resolutely declared, "If I don't sing, I'll leave, I'll cancel the show. Even if I die, I will die with my head held high; I will never lose my national pride."

Despite being a rather controversial singer, Du Thien's heartfelt statements have garnered widespread public support and approval. Netizens believe that if everyone thought and acted like Du Thien, there wouldn't be the current situation where numerous artists are being discovered performing under the three-striped flag.

Similarly, Viet Huong and Hoai Tam also had clips from over 10 years ago "dug up" (Screenshot).

According to reports, performances by famous singers and artists overseas often command very high fees. However, whether they intentionally or unintentionally choose to perform at programs with sensitive content is something only the artists themselves know. But one thing is certain: by participating in such programs and having images of them with the three-striped flag disseminated, they have lost the trust of their fans, especially patriotic ones.

The matter is still unresolved, and the authorities have yet to comment on how they will handle it. However, this will be a memorable lesson for artists like Tran Thanh, Viet Huong, Phan Dinh Tung, Pham Khanh Hung, Toc Tien, Myra Tran, etc., whenever they return to perform abroad.

Another example that artists should learn from is that in September 2023, billiards player Tran Quyet Chien accepted an invitation to participate in a friendly competition organized by the China Billiards and Snooker Federation (CBSA) in Shanghai, China. This event invited top world players in the 3-cushion carom billiards category.

However, on the first day of competition, the match between Tran Quyet Chien and his opponent was broadcast with images of the "nine-dash line" (or "cow's tongue line") superimposed on the map. Upon learning this and speaking with his coach by phone, Quyet Chien immediately withdrew from the tournament and returned to Vietnam, despite the possibility of never being invited to major tournaments again or losing significant earnings due to this sudden action.

To this day, many people still support and praise Quyet Chien's attitude, considering it a necessary action and an example for famous people to follow whenever there are sensitive issues related to politics and the nation.

Artists need to remember that money is valuable, but they shouldn't lose their honor or national pride for the sake of high fees.

Source: https://congthuong.vn/loat-nghe-si-bieu-dien-duoi-co-ba-soc-tien-rat-quy-nhung-dung-danh-mat-long-tu-ton-dan-toc-341380.html