On 30/12/2025, Nguyen Thi Thu Ha, Director of Ngoc Viet Education Company, was prosecuted and detained by Hanoi City Police for fraudulent appropriation of property. Earlier, Ha had assured the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports that the program would proceed as planned, but she later unilaterally cancelled the show.

During the investigation, Ha stated that one of her "biggest mistakes" was failing to meet payment deadlines with the music director. "I could not reach an agreement to pay 50% before the show and 50% after. Payment was one of my major errors", Ha said.

On 1/1, several messages exchanged between Vu Quang Trung and Nguyen Thi Ha regarding performance fees before the "Ve Day Bon Canh Chim Troi" concert appeared on social media. The two parties failed to agree on the payment schedule.

According to Trung, who represents a group of over 40 musicians and instrumentalists, negotiations between the two sides broke down one week before the program. Additionally, he and other artists received emails from the Vietnam Music Copyright Protection Center, instructing them not to use works by musicians Van Cao and Trinh Cong Son. Due to multiple factors, Trung concluded that the team no longer had sufficient time to prepare to ensure the quality of the program, leading to the musician and band withdrawing from the show.

Consequently, the choir and several singers, including Vu Thang Loi and Pham Thu Ha, who had received a 50% advance on their fees, were present but unable to perform without the band. Singer Hong Nhung and artist Tran Manh Tuan did not attend after receiving the cancellation notice from the organizers.

The incident has sparked divided opinions among artists, show organizers, and the audience. According to media expert Nguyen Thanh Son, "striking" when contractual rights are not met is not uncommon across various fields. He noted it is regrettable that what could have been resolved as a civil dispute escalated into the producer facing criminal charges.

MC Vu Kim Anh, an experienced event organizer, supported the musician's decision. "Beyond professional responsibilities, the music director must also manage payments for the band and other arrangers. Understanding each other's difficulties is one thing, but a signed contract must be honored", Kim Anh stated.

Audience member Mai Anh, 34 years old, from Hanoi, who had purchased a ticket for the concert, said, "I am not concerned with backstage discussions; the organizing unit is responsible for ensuring the program runs smoothly."

Poster for the "Ve Day Bon Canh Chim Troi" show. Photo: Ngoc Viet

However, many directors and show promoters expressed sympathy for the producer of such a large-scale program. Quang Cuong, manager of singer Quang Ha, suggested that organizers and artists should resolve financial disputes after the show takes place, to avoid inconveniencing the audience.

"Singers or bands could prioritize the audience. In fact, the 'Ve Day Bon Canh Chim Troi' program could still have proceeded, as the stage, sound, and lighting were already prepared", Cuong commented.

Hoang Tuan, manager of singer Dan Truong, stated that over 30 years, his team has received 20%, 30%, or 50% of their fees, depending on negotiations with the organizers. "Once a deposit is received, one must participate in the performance, unless there is no stage or no audience. The organizers were forced to postpone the show because the band and musicians refused to play. I feel saddened by such behavior from the artists", he said.

Artist Vuong Rau, who has performed and produced for over 20 years, said he has often been unpaid but still chose to perform for the audience. "Once you accept money from a show promoter or producer, no matter the percentage, if you do not perform, the audience suffers", Vuong Rau stated.

Lawyer Hoang Ha (HCMC Bar Association) emphasized that the merits of the case depend on the contract terms. If the producer committed to paying 80% before the program started but failed to do so, artists have the right to refuse to perform. Conversely, if the contract did not explicitly stipulate this, and artists unilaterally demanded additional benefits, leading to the show's cancellation, they might be liable under civil and commercial law.

Ngoc Viet Education Company Limited has one decade of experience in organizing entertainment and art events, collaborating with many famous artists for concerts, live shows, and festivals. These include: Duong Thu's "Bai Hat Thu Ve" in November, Phuong Thanh's "Doa Hong Gai" (2024), Duc Huy's "Nhung Gi Den Tu Nhien" (2024), musician Tran Tien's 50-year anniversary live show (2023), and Duc Tri's "Tua Nhu Gio Phieu Du" (2023).

Ha Thu - Hoang Dung