The music night event "Come here, four birds of the sky" organized by Ngoc Viet Corporation was canceled right before the G-hour, causing a wave of outrage from audiences, artists and public opinion.
Thousands of spectators, including those traveling from Japan or flying from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, had to receive announcements of show cancellations right at the performance venue gate - when there were only a few minutes left until the show began.
Assessing this issue, in an exchange with Lao Dong reporters on the afternoon of December 29, media expert Hong Quang Minh commented: "The cancellation of shows is not new in Vietnam, but the last minute cancellation still surprised and disappointed the audience.
Many people have put in effort, time and money with high expectations. Receiving notifications right at the performance venue not only disappointed the audience but also lost faith. This crisis goes beyond the financial scope, it hits the emotional values of art lovers".
Currently, the wave of boycotting Ngoc Viet Corporation is spreading on social networks. Many angry audiences demand ticket money back, requesting the organizing unit to compensate. Especially audiences from distant provinces and cities lose money for travel and accommodation to watch the music night.
Regarding the possibility of refunds, experts analyzed: "If ticket sales are carried out through an online platform with information stored, refunds can be completely implemented.
However, the organizing unit will face difficulties in operating costs, cash flow transparency and handling special cases. The most important thing at this time is to clearly announce the method, deadline and focal point for handling to soothe public opinion.
Regarding the question of what penalties the organizing unit can face, expert Hong Quang Minh emphasized that, depending on the severity of contract violations with artists and audiences, the unit may be administratively sanctioned under the Law on Protection of Consumer Rights or the Law on Advertising.
However, Mr. Minh also noted: "At this time, the most important thing is not to evade or fear sanctions, but to handle crises with goodwill. In the art production world, risks are possible, but how to treat audiences after an incident is the decisive factor whether that brand will still have a foothold in the future or not.
When the wave of audience reactions was fierce, many artists also spoke out to express that they had not received any money from the organizing company. Singer Hong Nhung took care of travel and accommodation expenses herself when flying from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi to practice with the band on December 27.
Singer Hong Nhung said that she is heartbroken about this incident.
