The “Anh Trai Say Hi” (Brothers Say Hi) concert at My Dinh Stadium (Hanoi) at the start of May took place under a heavy downpour, and most recently, the “Anh Trai Vuot Ngan Chong Gai” (Call Me By Fire) concert on June 15 also saw torrential rain.

The sight of tens of thousands of fans braving the storm to enjoy the shows has reignited debate. While many see this as excessive fanaticism, fans themselves insist these are happy moments they want to experience.

In reality, following the success of both “Anh Trai Say Hi” and “Anh Trai Vuot Ngan Chong Gai,” Vietnamese fandoms have proven themselves as professional and dedicated as their international counterparts.

After “Anh Trai Say Hi,” Cong Duong’s fandom organized his first-ever fan meeting on June 14, attended by 250 guests. Fandom leader Giang (30, living and working in Thailand) spent nearly $1,600 of her own money to cover the event. Giang single-handedly handled preparations for three months, supported by five friends during the production phase.

Giang shared with VietNamNet: “As a fan organizing the event, I understand what fans want. Personally preparing everything was tough but ensured a sense of intimacy and closeness, instead of having a professional organizer behind the scenes.

Many think I wasted years and a lot of money for nothing. Few know I went through a period of near depression. Joining K-pop fandoms like Super Junior, and later creating Cong Duong’s fandom, gave me friends, goals, and motivation. For me, supporting idols is one of my few sources of joy.”

Vietnam’s idol culture is evolving with socially impactful activities. Fandoms are increasingly professional, following international models instead of fostering toxic or obsessive fan behavior.

Son Tung M-TP’s SKY fandom donated $9,300 to support flood victims after Typhoon Yagi, earning recognition from the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front. Jack’s DOM fandom has contributed over $40,000 to charity, supporting Covid relief and providing wheelchairs to sick children.

HIEUTHUHAI’s SUNDAYs fandom celebrated his birthday with double-decker buses adorned with his image and food trucks.

SOOBIN’s KINGDOM fandom hired MasterChef Vietnam judge, chef Tuan Hai, to prepare five-star restaurant-quality food for “Anh Trai Vuot Ngan Chong Gai” concert support.

Vietnamese fans show their love for male idols with unique creativity. The culture of “streaming views” for idol music videos has become mainstream, complete with detailed guides (watch in HD, avoid fast-forwarding, keep volume above 50%). Cover dance is also a favorite, especially among female fans. According to Koreaboo, nine out of the world’s top twenty most-viewed K-pop cover dance videos are from Vietnam.

After the concert, People’s Artist Tu Long received hundreds of letters from fans at home and abroad, along with countless handmade gifts like bracelets, necklaces, and lamps.

Cong Duong was given creative presents, such as a bank card featuring his image and a lottery ticket with his group’s picture from “Catch Me If You Can” at “Anh Trai Say Hi.”

He shared with VietNamNet that he once had low public recognition and very few fans during filming, only hearing three fans call his name in Thai. After the show, seeing 250 people singing happy birthday to him at his fan meeting brought him to tears.

Showbiz today is different. The fame and success of an idol often depend on the loyal support of their fan community.

In truth, singers wouldn’t reach millions of views or make thousands or even millions of dollars a year without dedicated fans boosting their views. Many artists with negative influence have also seen their careers vanish due to fan boycotts.

Entertainment companies now acknowledge the mantra: “No fans, no stars.” But this symbiotic relationship must grow into a supportive bond. Fans do not have the right to control every action of their idols, and artists must foster a positive, civilized community, avoiding online conflicts when negative issues arise.

Kim Loan
Photos: Organizing Committee, archives