How Are Vietnamese Fans Shaping The Idol Culture In Vietnam?

In Vietnam, FCs of famous people, especially singers, have existed for decades. However, due to the small scale and unprofessional operation, the level of investment and support for artists stays limited.

Along with the popularity of the two most trending music reality shows, Anh Trai Say Hi (Brother Say Hi) and Anh Trai Vuot Ngan Chong Gai (Brother Overcoming a Thousand Thorns), which have brought 63 male artists to the center of public opinion, idol culture has developed significantly, changing the game in Vpop.

Vietnamese FCs are now supporting their idols systematically and professionally like foreign fandoms, bringing idol culture closer to Vietnamese audiences. We talked with Vietnamese fans of male and female artists as well as the two aforementioned reality shows about why they show affection for their local artists and how they are supporting their idols.

Nhu Y - 20, Dancer

Rapper and Singer tlinh FC

The artist can be a mindset inspiration…

“tlinh is a rising hip-hop star in Vietnam, her music can challenge the norm and create a different breeze in the music industry. I am open to sex and femininity, so tlinh’s songs fit with my mindset a lot. tlinh once shared in an interview that every girl can show off her femininity without being afraid of being called 'bánh bèo' (too girly). That’s how she’s inspired me in terms of mindset.

Actually, the song I love the most is also the most controversial one, “ghệ iu dấu của em ơi” (my dearest boo). It sparked a war on the Internet over her appearance and the lyrics, but for me, she has successfully built the image of a modern girl who is proactive in love."

My - 24, Freelancer

Rapper HIEUTHUHAI FC

Vietnamese FC are following how Kpop fans operate a FC.

“I’ve been a fan of NCT, a Kpop boy band, for 5 years, and now I’m a one-year fan of HIEUTHUHAI. Thus, I could see that Vietnamese FC are following how Kpop fans operate a FC.

The biggest event we organized for HIEUTHUHAI was his 25th birthday series event called “Lovin on him”. The budget for each project might cost tens of millions of VND, but we are all willing to promote our favorite idol and contribute to his success. I think this is a positive change in idol culture in Vietnam because domestic artists can receive more love and care, which previously has not been popular in Vpop.”

Thanh Tra - 19, University student

Bon Nghiem FC

Feel a sense of belonging in the local FC,

“Our FC is quite small-scaled, everyone is all supportive. Also, fans and idols can closely connect to each other. I still remember the day when Bon married, we gave him handmade gifts and handwritten letters.

Being a Vpop and Kpop fan at the same time, I can say that I feel a sense of belonging in a local FC, because I can directly give love to my idols and build a bond with those supporting them like me. Also, in a Kpop FC, I would say there are more internal problems in a Vpop one, like you can easily get involved in unnecessary drama if you meet the rude type of fans. Meanwhile, I feel totally safe and inclusive in a Vpop FC.”

Anh Duong - 21, University student

“Brother Say Hi” Show FC

Not only idols, Vietnamese reality shows have their own FCs.

“As a fan of “Brother Say Hi”, a reality show about music that has been attracting great attention, I can see that the fandom support culture in Vietnam is becoming popular not only among FCs of artists but also of reality shows. We’ve sent food trucks, built a large-sized fanpage, raised funds in our idol’s name and other projects celebrating idols’ important milestones. I am happy to see that Vietnamese artists and reality shows are developing with the growing establishment of FCs.”

Minh Ly - 32, Office worker

“Brother Overcoming a Thousand Thorns” Show FC

Be proud of the domestic music industry.

“I used to think that if I wanted to go to a show or concert, I had to go abroad, or if I idolized someone, they would be a foreign idol. But when 'Brother Overcoming a Thousand Thorns' appeared this summer, I was thrilled to see 30 famous male artists from Vietnam performing together on the same stage, and gearing up for a concert in October.

I feel a bit emotional when the fanpages of FCs that I followed 8-10 years ago are now posting new content of the show and the FC is active again, like nothing has changed in nearly one decade. We used to be fans of Kpop Gen 1 and Gen 2, and now we are together becoming fans of Vietnamese artists. The biggest difference is we can meet idols in person and even interact with them.”