Vietnam's contemporary popular culture
Date
2025
Authors
Tran, Duc Anh
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University Of Victoria
Abstract
The research explores the evolution of Vietnam's contemporary popular culture and entertainment industry, emphasizing the interplay between tradition and modernity shaped by historical and sociopolitical events. It highlights the transformative impact of the Đổi Mới economic reforms in the 1990s, which initiated a cultural renaissance, blending local traditions with global influences. The analysis investigates the role of historical contexts, such as the divergence in Northern and Southern artistic expression pre-1975 and the significant contributions of the diaspora in shaping Vietnamese culture post-war. Case studies on key figures, including filmmaker Trần Anh Hùng, pop icon Sơn Tùng M-TP, and artist Hoàng Thùy Linh, examine their influence on cultural innovation and the integration of traditional Vietnamese elements into globalized formats. The study also critiques the effects of globalization, social media, and digital platforms, which have expanded the reach of Vietnamese culture while raising concerns of cultural authenticity. Challenges within the industry, like the prevalence of superficial content and diminishing cultural identity, are addressed with recommendations for balancing creativity and commercial viability.
Description
Keywords
Vietnam, pop culture, entertainment, history