After the first two episodes of "Sao Nhap Ngu" aired, Le Trung Thanh - singer Erik's real name - became a character receiving much attention. Some viewers believe that the male singer has not adapted well to the military environment, especially through the situation of being asked to cut his hair.
Before the mixed opinions, General Director Luong Hai Khoa had an exchange with a reporter from Lao Dong Newspaper about Erik's attitude, suspicion that the program staged the situation and the developments behind the haircut decision.
- Some viewers think that Erik has not adapted well to the daily routine and regulations in the military. How do you assess the male singer's demeanor and attitude on the first day?
The program has only aired to episode 2. If counting lunchtime, Erik was only present at the unit from about 8 am to 12 pm, meaning he had only spent the first four hours in the military environment.
In my opinion, using four hours to assess a person's adaptability is a bit hasty. No one is perfect and everyone has a certain limit. For Erik, hair is probably the biggest problem on the first day.
If you follow the accompanying contents, viewers can see that Erik is not a person who is afraid of difficulties or hardships. He once said that when entering the military, the most hard and arduous job can be assigned to him. Physical difficulties are not an issue that worries Erik.
The first thing he has to face again relates to his appearance and personal image. I share that psychology. I don't think Erik loves himself too much or just cares about his appearance. Artists cherish their image is also how they cherish the affection that the audience has for them.
Everyone needs time to adapt, change and grow up. Audiences should give Erik time.
Regarding demeanor and attitude, we see Erik coming to the program with a fairly innocent and pure mindset. He is not good at hiding or controlling emotions, so the audience clearly sees the thoughts and reactions in that moment.
- Some opinions suspect that the crew focused on exploiting Erik's limitations, even staging situations to create controversy. What is your response?
Sao Nhap Ngu" has never taken controversy as a way to attract audiences. The program's motto is to reflect the truth and respect the journey of each experiencing character.
We only put on television what the camera recorded, there is no staging or intentionally pushing the situation into drama.
The goal of the program is to help the audience visualize the difficulties and strict requirements of the military environment. The characters must directly overcome those challenges to change, be more courageous and mature.
The first leg is also a preparation process for the characters to strive to perform tasks in Truong Sa. Therefore, the requirements for style, discipline and regulations in the unit are what they are forced to face. Standards need to be even stricter than usual.
- What experiential character did Erik's image remind you of who participated in the program?
Almost every season there is a character facing difficulties in the early stages of adaptation. Erik's story reminds me of Binh An in the first season.
The first hours and days were also very difficult for Binh An. However, through each challenge, the audience gradually saw his changes. When Binh An returned to "Sao Nhap Ngu" in 2025, we saw a different person, much more mature.
In my opinion, to evaluate a person, we need to monitor the whole process instead of just looking at a situation at the present time.
- Erik's reaction when asked to cut his hair made some viewers confused. What is the reason why the male singer hesitated?
Before participating in the program, Erik shared that he has some personal plans, so he wants to keep his hair. However, the unit's regulations are no exception. Once he has participated in military experience, Erik must comply.
When the commander made the request, he had to consider it because he knew that cutting his hair could have a certain impact on the next projects. But the most important thing was that Erik accepted it.
Erik lives quite innocently, so he cannot hide his emotions. He has the right to be sad, the right to worry. The important thing is that he dared to cut his hair to suit the military environment. I am satisfied with that attitude and spirit.
- If Erik definitely does not fulfill the haircut request, how will the crew solve it?
Even as the General Director, I and the crew did not interfere in the unit's decision. The person who made the request and order was the commander of Naval Brigade 101, directly the Company Commander in charge of the experiential characters.
The production crew only plays the role of observing and recording the developments that happen in reality. Characters when entering the unit must comply with the commanders' requirements, not operate according to the program's decisions.
Thank you for sharing!
