On the evening of 3/1, numerous fan pages specializing in Chinese dramas collectively announced they would cease posting and updating information after discovering that the film contained an image of the "nine-dash line" (also known as the dashed line). This line, unilaterally drawn by Trung Quoc, asserts illegal sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, despite international objections.

Actors Trieu Kim Mach (left) and Tong Uy Long in "I am like the bright sun". Photo: Tencent Video

In a scene set in a lecture hall during episode 25, a map appeared on a large screen. A wave of strong reactions spread across social media, and fan pages for the two main actors, Tong Uy Long and Trieu Kim Mach, also announced they would stop updating content related to the film. However, the series is currently still streaming on Netflix.

Dang Tran Cuong, Director of the Vietnam Cinema Department, stated that no content depicting the illegal "nine-dash line" infringing on Vietnam's sovereignty is acceptable. Authorities have received feedback and are currently investigating and processing the matter according to legal regulations.

The 36-episode series, adapted from Gu Man's novel of the same name, revolves around the romance between Nhiep Hy Quang (Trieu Kim Mach) and Lam Tu Sam (Tong Uy Long). Previously, the film garnered attention for its sweet, healing atmosphere and its focus on the characters' growth.

A scene from "I am like the bright sun" showing the "dashed line" map. Photo: Tencent Video

This incident follows previous controversies. "Let Me Shine," starring Trieu Lo Tu, was removed from domestic platforms such as VieON, FPT Play, TV360, and K+ after audience protests. The Vietnam Cinema Department subsequently requested relevant units to report, explain, and temporarily suspend the film until the violations were resolved.

In 7/2023, representatives of the Vietnam Cinema Department announced that the film "Barbie" was banned in Vietnam due to illegal imagery. At that time, Netflix Vietnam also removed the Chinese series "Flight to You" (Huong gio ma di), which contained the "nine-dash line" image, following requests from authorities.

In 3/2022, "Uncharted," starring Tom Holland, was banned from Vietnamese cinemas. In 12/2019, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism fined distributor CGV Vietnam 170 million VND for "Abominable" (Everest: The Little Snowman), an animated film featuring the "nine-dash line" map. This film was licensed and screened for ten days before the image was discovered, leading to its withdrawal from theaters. Several personnel from the Vietnam Cinema Department were reprimanded for approving the film.

In early 7/2021, Netflix Vietnam removed six episodes of the spy series "Pine Gap" after authorities detected illegal imagery in the film. In 7/2020, the film "Our Warm Youth" was found to contain the "nine-dash line" map in the South China Sea.

Cat Tien