Regarding the controversy surrounding the MV "Truth or Dare", the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports shared at a regular press conference in Ho Chi Minh City on the afternoon of April 23 that they had a direct working session with singer Jun Pham and the production crew on April 20, 2026, thereby giving an official assessment after the content appraisal process.
According to management agencies, the MV "Truth or Dare" has some elements that are not suitable for Vietnamese culture, easily evoking offensive content. The details that cause controversy mainly lie in the way images are expressed and the layers of metaphor in music products.
Previously, the MV directed by Kien Ung, released at the end of March 2026, quickly became the focus on social networks. Some scenes such as plastering movements, close gestures between characters were considered to carry "sexual implications", especially when there was no clear age warning. However, there are also opinions that this is a new experiment in building a mature and personal image of the male singer.
Representatives of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports said that the appraisal process is carried out based on consulting the Arts Council, experts and relevant agencies. The assessment is based on current legal regulations, including Decree 144/2020/ND-CP on performing arts activities.
Accordingly, acts of using images, gestures, and means of expression contrary to fine customs and traditions, causing negative impacts on society, all belong to the restricted group. Although not yet to the extent of handling violations, the MV "Truth or Dare" is identified as having limitations in the way content is expressed.
At the working session, the Department requested singer Jun Pham, director and creative team to seriously recognize shortcomings and learn from experience in the production process. At the same time, art products in the coming time need to ensure harmony between creative elements, aesthetic values and cultural standards, in accordance with Vietnamese customs and traditions.
The management agency also emphasized the responsibility of artists and crews when releasing products in the digital environment. Compliance with the law and implementation of cultural behavior rules in cyberspace are mandatory requirements for all organizations and individuals operating in the arts.
Notably, the Department noted the receptive attitude from Jun Pham and the team when they proactively received opinions and took remedial actions after opposing public opinion appeared. On that basis, functional agencies requested relevant parties to continue to commit to thoroughly handling the issues that have been pointed out, not to let them recur in subsequent products.
In addition, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports also recommends that artists should proactively classify content when releasing on digital platforms, although there are currently no mandatory regulations on attaching age labels to music videos. Attaching appropriate labels is considered necessary to limit negative impacts on audiences, especially young viewers.
