Singers in unusual costumes while performing bolero: What does the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports have to say?

In videos, singers wearing "unusual" costumes that are deemed to have sensitive elements related to history and not suitable for the current cultural and artistic environment of the country. These videos are posted on many social media channels, receiving mixed opinions from the online community.

Dan Tri reporter asked the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture & Sports (Department of Culture) about the situation mentioned above.

Image of some bolero singers wearing inappropriate costumes (Photo: Screenshots).

At the press conference held on the afternoon of May 23, Mr. Trang Thanh Phuong - Deputy Head of the Art Department of the Department of Culture and Sports of Ho Chi Minh City - stated that they were aware of the situation. Upon review, the authorities found that these music products are still being posted on some social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok...

The Department of Culture and Sports of Ho Chi Minh City believes that costumes are an element in performing arts activities. Using costumes for the right purpose and in the right context in artistic spaces will evoke emotions in the audience and contribute to shaping the perception of viewers.

When artists use inappropriate costumes, it can cause discomfort and even violate regulations related to performing arts.

According to Article 4, Clause 8 of Decree No. 144/2020/NĐ-CP dated December 14, 2020 regulating the organization of artistic performances, "Organizing artistic performances not directly in front of the public but posted on the radio and television system and online environment by the posters, broadcasters are responsible," the aforementioned videos posted on some fan pages, TikTok channels... will be regulated by the regulations in the fields of Information and Communication as well as other related regulations.

"However, after receiving the information, the Department of Culture and Sports of Ho Chi Minh City has proactively exchanged with relevant agencies to determine whether the use of costumes is appropriate, whether the songs performed have been approved by the competent authorities, whether they violate any prohibitions in performing arts activities and other related regulations. In the near future, the Department will take further actions according to its jurisdiction," Mr. Trang Thanh Phuong said.

Regarding the above-mentioned incident, a Dan Tri reporter also asked the Performing Arts Department (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism). A representative of the Department stated that Decree 144/2020/NĐ-CP clearly delegated authority, and artists or performers in a particular locality will be handled by the Department of Culture in that area.

"The Department of Culture will assess the extent of the violation to take appropriate action. If there is a violation, they will issue a penalty decision," the representative said.