Vietnam is facing growing concern over celebrity accountability as a series of high-profile arrests brings national attention to the legal responsibilities of public figures.
Among the most notable are fashion designer Nguyen Cong Tri and Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien, winner of Miss Grand International 2021. On July 23, Ho Chi Minh City police widened a drug trafficking investigation that led to Tri’s arrest. Earlier, Tien was charged with fraud linked to the Chi Em Rot Group Joint Stock Company, where she allegedly aided individuals in deceiving customers.
Other members of the company, including YouTuber Pham Quang Linh (Quang Linh Vlogs) and Nguyen Thi Thai Hang (Hang Du Muc), had already been detained and charged.
Growing Concerns About Celebrity Influence
According to Dr. Dang Van Cuong, a law lecturer at Thuy Loi University, celebrities have a profound impact on public thought and youth behavior. The recent rise in criminal charges involving celebrities is not just troubling—it signals a deeper societal issue. Dr. Cuong stressed the need for stronger regulation and ethical guidance for public figures, noting their actions shape community norms and national values.
“The public expects celebrities to act with integrity and uphold Vietnamese traditions,” Dr. Cuong said.
Learning from International Models
The issue was further discussed at a seminar on July 31, hosted by the Ministry of Justice, centered around building a legal compliance culture under Resolution No. 66-NQ/TW.
Speaking at the event, Master Pham Ngan Ha from the Supreme People’s Procuracy referenced successful global approaches. She praised Singapore for instilling civic values in its citizens from an early age—through education, national pledges, and campaigns like the Shared Values Movement. In Singapore, the motto “Nation before community, society before self” teaches citizens that law-abiding behavior is a duty, not just a legal requirement.
In Germany, law observance is deeply rooted in social and moral standards. Citizens there view compliance with laws as a reflection of personal integrity, not just obedience.
Vietnam’s Path Forward
Ha suggested that Vietnam should enhance legal and civic education, especially in schools, to build a stronger national identity tied to law compliance. She emphasized that obeying the law should be seen not only as civic duty but as an act of patriotism.
The recent celebrity scandals have sparked a national reckoning, not only about celebrity behavior, but also about how Vietnam fosters respect for the law and strengthens its legal culture for future generations.
