Regarding this issue, representatives of 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 9 that they are in the process of appraising and evaluating the MV content, and at the same time seeking professional opinions from the Arts Council, functional agencies and related experts before making an official conclusion.
According to the Department, music products released on the online environment today are regulated by many legal regulations, including Decree 144/2020/ND-CP. This Decree clearly stipulates prohibited acts in performing arts activities, including the use of images, movements, and means of expression contrary to fine customs and traditions, causing negative impacts on ethics, community health and social psychology.
In addition, organizations and individuals releasing audio and video recordings with artistic performance content must be responsible for the content of the product when circulating on the online environment. This means that artists and production crews need to proactively control the content before widely announcing it.
Notably, according to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports, Vietnamese law currently does not have mandatory regulations on labeling age classification for music videos released on digital platforms. Labeling 16+, 18+ or limiting viewers on platforms like YouTube is mainly done by artists or distribution units themselves.
However, management agencies recommend that organizations and individuals need to raise their sense of responsibility, proactively classify content appropriately to limit negative impacts on audiences, especially young viewers.
Previously, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports issued a document requesting organizations and individuals operating in performing arts in the area to strengthen discipline, ensure honesty in performing activities, and at the same time orient behavior in the digital environment according to Vietnamese cultural and legal standards.
Regarding the MV "Truth or Dare", a product made by Kien Ung, is built according to the "psychological game" motif, using many metaphorical images. In which, some scenes such as dough rolling movements, close gestures between characters are considered by a part of the audience to have sensitive implications.
On social networks, public opinion is divided into many directions. Some viewers worry that the product may not be suitable for young viewers, especially when there is no age warning. Conversely, there are also opinions that this is a new experiment of Jun Pham in building a more mature, artistic and personal image.
On the crew side, director Kien Ung admitted that the MV has a sensual element but emphasized that this is a metaphorical way of expression, not aimed at direct description. Meanwhile, Jun Pham said that the product opens the direction for experimenting with diverse styles in 2026.
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports said that it will soon have an official conclusion after completing the appraisal process.
