On the afternoon of 23/4, a representative from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports announced that they had worked with Jun Pham (real name: Pham Duy Thuan). The department assessed that his music video, "Truth or Dare", contained elements unsuitable for Vietnamese culture, potentially leading to associations with offensive content. The regulatory body requested Jun Pham, the music video director, and the creative team to seriously acknowledge the product's shortcomings.

The department reminded that artists' creative processes must ensure aesthetic elements, thematic ideas, alignment with traditional customs, and aim to build proper, high-quality artistic works. The regulatory body acknowledged singer Jun Pham's receptiveness after his team removed the music video on 9/4, and requested the singer to commit to not repeating the issues mentioned.

Jun Pham in the music video "Truth or Dare". Photo: Provided by artist

A representative for Jun Pham's management company stated that after withdrawing the music video from online platforms, they continued to review and contact media channels to remove related images and videos. They also hid all posts, teasers, and trailers on channels owned by the entertainment company. The team said the decision to cease releasing the product stemmed from "a spirit of receptiveness and respect for the audience".

Previously, in late March, authorities issued a document requesting adjustments and guidance for the behavior of organizations and individuals in the digital environment, aligning with cultural, ethical, and legal standards. This aims to enhance artistic quality, preserve artists' images, and build a healthy, standardized digital cultural environment.

The music video was released on the evening of 28/3. The song was composed by Jun Pham with APJ, and production was handled by APJ and MONOTAPE (SpaceSpeakers Label). The video features scenes of Jun Pham performing suggestive movements with a girl. The product also includes scenes of the singer in a kitchen, kneading dough, rolling it, and marinating ingredients with close-up shots.

Some viewers believed the aforementioned segments "alluded to sexuality". However, other opinions suggested Jun Pham displayed a bold artistic personality, striving to step out of his comfort zone.

Images of Jun Pham kneading dough in the music video were said to make viewers associate them with sensitive imagery. Photo: Provided by artist

The singer's representative explained that the music video was told through cinematic language, with each frame carrying its own intention, aiming for emotional and visual value. Music video director Kien Ung explained the product was staged as a "psychological game". He admitted "Truth or Dare" contained suggestive elements, but not through visual depiction; rather, it intended to evoke viewers' emotions. Singer Jun Pham stated the song was part of his music experimentation plan for this year.

Jun Pham, 37, from Ho Chi Minh City, became known to the public as a member of the group 365, trained by Ngo Thanh Van. As a solo artist, he released music videos that garnered millions of views, such as "Hai ban tay" and "Thuong em hon chinh anh". He ventured into acting in "Tam Cam: Chuyen chua ke", "Co gai den tu hom qua", "100 ngay ben em", "Ve que an Tet", and "Nu chu". Jun Pham is also a writer, having published several books.

In 2024, Jun Pham made his mark on the music show "Anh trai vuot ngan chong gai". Participating in the reality show "Gia dinh Haha" in 2025, he gained audience affection for his warm, emotional personality, attracting more fans.

Jun Pham, Duy Khanh brought laughter to the show "Gia dinh Haha". Video: Provided by production

Mai Nhat