Vietnam Insider

For ten days leading up to Vietnam’s 80th National Day military parade in Ba Dinh Square, a 40-year-old swimming coach named Dau Thi Thang became a familiar figure on the streets of Hanoi. Armed with nothing but a whistle and large plastic bags, she tirelessly collected trash and encouraged spectators to keep the capital clean.

From inspiration to action

Thang said the idea came to her after witnessing piles of litter left behind during a rehearsal on August 21. Moved by the sight of exhausted sanitation workers cleaning through the night, she decided to act.

“Amid the flags and flowers, every street looked so beautiful. I thought I had to do something to help preserve that,” she shared.

Whistle for trash collection

Starting August 23, Thang patrolled the streets of Quan Thanh, Thanh Nien, and Hung Vuong. Every few minutes, she blew her whistle and cheerfully called out: “Who has trash for me?” Instead of letting people throw waste on the ground, she personally collected bottles, plastic bags, and food containers.

Her friendliness eased the crowd, making people more comfortable to enjoy food and drinks while waiting hours for the parade. “Everyone should just enjoy the patriotic atmosphere—leave the trash to me,” she smiled.

Viral recognition and admiration

Videos of the “whistle woman” collecting trash quickly spread on social media, receiving tens of thousands of likes and comments praising her dedication. Some spectators initially mistook her for a sanitation worker, only to be moved when they realized she was volunteering on her own.

Beyond cleaning, she boosted the festive spirit by leading people in singing revolutionary songs, helping pass the long hours of waiting.

Helping veterans and connecting communities

Thang also supported veterans from across Vietnam who traveled to Hanoi for the parade. She guided elderly attendees to priority seating areas, shared her phone number for assistance, and even arranged free accommodations by connecting them with local families. With permission from Ba Dinh Sports Center, where she works, she opened the facility for veterans to rest and use amenities.

On September 2, after the grand parade ended and the streets were spotless, she stayed behind to escort a veteran to lunch and help him catch a bus back to Hai Phong.

A small act with big meaning

“To contribute even a small effort during such an important event for our country makes me truly happy,” Thang said.

The 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2) drew widespread international media attention, with outlets highlighting the scale, symbolism, and emotional resonance of the celebrations in Hanoi.

AFP: Record-breaking parade with 40,000 participants

French news agency AFP reported that under a sea of red flags, Vietnamese troops marched proudly in Hanoi on September 2. Helicopters and aircraft soared overhead as tens of thousands lined the streets from dawn to secure a spot.

According to AFP, around 40,000 military personnel and civilians joined the parade and march, breaking the previous 1985 record of 30,000 participants. The agency emphasized that the celebrations honored Vietnam’s independence and its transformation into a global manufacturing hub.

AP: Hanoi covered in Vietnam flags

The Associated Press (AP) described Hanoi’s streets blanketed with red flags bearing the yellow star, fluttering from balconies, old buildings, and modern skyscrapers alike. Photos showed the capital fully decorated on the eve of the anniversary, creating a striking patriotic scene.

Bloomberg: Modern military display alongside Soviet-era tanks

Bloomberg highlighted how thousands of people queued overnight just to watch the rehearsals and final parade. Soldiers even formed heart shapes during drills to show pride in the nation.

Alongside Soviet-era T-55 tanks, Vietnam showcased newer military equipment including drones, cruise missiles, air-defense systems, and domestically produced communications technology. Bloomberg noted this reflects Vietnam’s growing effort to modernize and develop an independent defense ecosystem.

Russian media: Political and social transformation

Russian outlets also covered the event. Gazeta Pravda emphasized that Vietnam celebrated its 80th National Day amid a new era of political and socioeconomic reform. Kommersant described the Hanoi parade as the country’s largest in decades, featuring modern military hardware, tens of thousands of participants, and even foreign delegations from Russia and China. Vietnam’s navy also held a maritime parade with submarines and frigates.

A message of independence and peace

During the ceremony, General Secretary To Lam reaffirmed Vietnam’s determination to safeguard independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, underscoring the country’s enduring commitment to peace and resilience.

On the afternoon of September 2, 2025, President Luong Cuong departed for China to attend events marking the 80th anniversary of the victory over fascism and to conduct official talks at the invitation of Chinese President and General Secretary Xi Jinping.

First official visit to China as President

This is President Luong Cuong’s first official trip to China since taking office. The visit takes place during the 75th anniversary of Vietnam–China diplomatic relations and the Vietnam–China People-to-People Exchange Year 2025, highlighting the deepening comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries.

The President’s participation in the 80th anniversary ceremony underlines Vietnam’s commitment to peace, security, and sustainable development in the region and worldwide.

26 world leaders to join Tiananmen Square parade

On September 3, 26 heads of state and government leaders will attend the military parade at Tiananmen Square in Beijing to commemorate the victory over fascism.

Vietnam–China high-level talks

During the same period, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held talks in Hanoi with Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) of China. The discussions focused on strengthening parliamentary cooperation, expanding diplomatic, defense, and security ties, and promoting projects in railways, energy, trade, science, and education.

Vietnam urged China to support priority projects such as the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong high-speed railway, increase imports of Vietnamese goods, and accelerate smart border gate construction. Both sides also emphasized cooperation in high-quality investment, financial integration, and technology transfer.

Strengthening Vietnam–China partnership

China was the first country to establish diplomatic ties with Vietnam in 1950, and the two nations elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership in 2008. In 2023, both sides issued a joint statement to further deepen cooperation and build a “community with a shared future.”

With China being Vietnam’s largest trading partner in ASEAN and its fourth-largest trading partner globally, the President’s visit is expected to further solidify bilateral ties and open new opportunities for cooperation.

A shocking motorcycle theft has gone viral in Vietnam after a young man pretended to buy a Kawasaki Ninja 300 in Nghe An, only to ride off with the bike and leave his girlfriend behind at the shop. The case took an unexpected turn when a woman in Can Tho recognized the suspect as one of her brother’s drinking buddies and reported him to police.

Suspect caught after viral video spread online

On the night of August 31, police in Thạnh Phú Commune, Can Tho City, confirmed the arrest of Nguyen Khanh (born 1994, from Da Nang, temporarily living in Ho Chi Minh City). Authorities identified him as the man who stole a large-displacement motorcycle from a dealership in Vinh Loc Ward, Nghe An Province.

Just one day earlier, Khanh had joined a party at the home of Ms. P.T.C.N in Thạnh Phú Commune, after being invited by her younger sister. While scrolling TikTok, Ms. N suddenly recognized Khanh in a viral video showing the theft and immediately notified local police.

How the theft unfolded

According to the dealership owner Pham Ba Quang, on the morning of August 27, Khanh arrived with a woman—posing as his wife—to view motorcycles. After asking to test ride a used Kawasaki Ninja 300, he sped away, leaving the woman at the store. The stolen bike is valued at around 50 million VND (≈ $2,000 USD).

The woman told police she had only met Khanh recently via social media and had traveled with him from Ho Chi Minh City to Nghe An. She was shocked when he vanished with the bike, abandoning her at the shop.

Police investigation

Can Tho authorities quickly brought Khanh in for questioning. He admitted to taking the motorcycle under the pretense of a test ride. The case is under further investigation as police coordinate between Nghe An and Can Tho to handle charges of motorcycle theft and fraud.

Tóm tắt: Vòng thi quốc tế đầu tiên nhấn mạnh sự hợp tác AI + du lịch, với các dự án từ 8 quốc gia tiến vào vòng chung kết tại Bắc Hải.

Ngày 20/8/2025, Vòng ASEAN của Cuộc thi Sáng tạo AI + Du lịch Văn hóa Trung Quốc – ASEAN đã chính thức khép lại tại Hà Nội, Việt Nam. Đây là vòng sơ khảo cuối cùng và cũng là chặng dừng chân quốc tế đầu tiên của cuộc thi, quy tụ những dự án tiêu biểu từ Trung Quốc và các nước ASEAN, tập trung vào đổi mới du lịch ứng dụng AI. Sự kiện diễn ra sôi nổi với nhiều trao đổi, hợp tác triển vọng.

Đồng tổ chức bởi Chính quyền thành phố Bắc Hải và các cơ quan Quảng Tây, cùng sự tham gia của các doanh nghiệp Việt Nam và Trung Quốc, cuộc thi hướng tới thúc đẩy hội nhập Trung Quốc – ASEAN trong lĩnh vực “AI + du lịch” thông qua giao lưu công nghệ, góp phần nâng cao số hóa ngành du lịch khu vực.

Sau các vòng sơ khảo tại Thượng Hải và Bắc Kinh, sự kiện tại Hà Nội tập trung vào thị trường ASEAN, kết nối nghiên cứu – phát triển trong nước với ứng dụng khu vực. Hơn 370 dự án đăng ký trên toàn cầu, trải rộng từ ứng dụng AI, đổi mới công nghệ đến mở rộng thị trường ASEAN. Roadshow tại Việt Nam có sự tham gia của đội ngũ từ 8 quốc gia, giới thiệu các giải pháp như điều hướng đa ngôn ngữ, hướng dẫn viên ảo, quản lý thông minh điểm đến du lịch, và số hóa di sản văn hóa—tất cả đều cân bằng giữa công nghệ và khả năng thích ứng thị trường.

Ban giám khảo gồm các chuyên gia học thuật và doanh nghiệp đánh giá dự án dựa trên tính sáng tạo, tiềm năng thương mại, mức độ phù hợp với ASEAN và tính khả thi, đồng thời đưa ra các khuyến nghị bản địa hóa. Nổi bật có hệ thống điều hướng đa ngôn ngữ Trung – Việt và ứng dụng hướng dẫn tham quan AR của Việt Nam.

Ngành du lịch ASEAN tăng trưởng nhanh—Thái Lan, Malaysia, Việt Nam đều ghi nhận mức tăng hai con số trong năm 2024—nhưng vẫn tồn tại khoảng trống về hiệu quả và dịch vụ đa ngôn ngữ. Việt Nam, với lợi thế tài nguyên du lịch phong phú và hạ tầng ngày càng cải thiện, trở thành điểm thử nghiệm lý tưởng cho các giải pháp AI. Đại diện một bộ ngành Việt Nam nhấn mạnh: “AI có thể nâng cấp dịch vụ, nâng cao trải nghiệm và giúp doanh nghiệp trong nước vươn ra toàn cầu.”

Sự kiện nhận được sự quan tâm rộng rãi từ truyền thông ASEAN và quốc tế, trong đó MoneyFM893 (Singapore) đánh giá đây là “bước đi thực tiễn trên Con đường Tơ lụa Số Trung Quốc – ASEAN.”

Tám dự án từ Hà Nội đã giành quyền tham dự vòng chung kết tại Bắc Hải, cùng với các đội thắng cuộc ở Thượng Hải và Bắc Kinh, tranh giải nhất trị giá 1 triệu nhân dân tệ cùng gói hỗ trợ thâm nhập thị trường ASEAN. Bắc Hải cung cấp hơn 300 điểm du lịch để thử nghiệm, kèm trợ cấp và quỹ đầu tư nhằm đẩy nhanh quá trình thương mại hóa. Các dự án đoạt giải còn được phê duyệt tham gia chương trình công nghệ cấp thành phố, mở đường từ giai đoạn thử nghiệm đến triển khai thị trường.

Đại diện Bắc Hải cho biết: “Sự kiện tại Việt Nam đã khép lại vòng sơ khảo và mở ra giai đoạn hợp tác du lịch thông minh Trung Quốc – ASEAN. Chúng tôi mong chờ nhiều đổi mới hướng tới ASEAN sẽ tỏa sáng tại Bắc Hải.”

Thông tin chi tiết: https://caaic.enowa.cn

In Da Nang, many wards and communes have mobilized officials to work overnight, even during holidays, to ensure every resident receives a VND 100,000 cash gift from the Government in celebration of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2).

On the morning of September 1, at Hong Quang Primary School (Hoa Khanh Ward), large crowds gathered to receive the support. Local forces, including ward officials, militia, police, and youth volunteers, were on hand to assist with paperwork and ID verification, ensuring the process ran smoothly and orderly.

Many residents expressed their happiness upon receiving the gift. Ms. Pham Thi Tu Xinh from Hoa Khanh said: “I’m truly delighted — this is the first time we’ve received a ‘lucky money’ gift from the State for Independence Day. It carries both material and symbolic meaning, making the holiday more complete.”

According to local authorities, in densely populated areas, officials even worked through the night of August 31 until 1 a.m. on September 1 to finish distribution. Despite the heavy workload, officials said they were motivated by the desire to share joy with all families ahead of the historic 80th National Day celebrations.

HANOI — A massive fire broke out at a parking lot beneath Vinh Tuy Bridge on August 30, destroying an estimated 500 motorbikes but causing no casualties, local authorities confirmed.

Blaze Spreads Rapidly Beneath the Bridge

According to the People’s Committee of Hong Ha Ward, the fire started around 335 Nguyen Khoai Street, near pillar T2 of the bridge. Witnesses reported flames initially breaking out at an electrical booth before quickly spreading to the nearby parking area.

Mr. Pham Van D., who was working at an auto garage opposite the lot, said he and several others tried to contain the fire with extinguishers and water hoses, but the flames spread too rapidly. Firefighters were called shortly after as the blaze engulfed the entire 300 m² site.

While hundreds of motorbikes were reduced to ashes, authorities confirmed no cars were damaged and no human injuries were reported.

Parking Lot Operators Under Investigation

The facility where the fire occurred was being operated jointly by Hanoi Parking Exploitation Co., Ltd. and Giang Linh Transport & Logistics Co., Ltd. The lot was located directly under the bridge, raising concerns about fire safety standards.

Local authorities and representatives from the Hanoi Department of Construction inspected the site soon after the fire. The blaze’s heat was so intense that sections of the bridge’s concrete peeled off, leaving exposed steel reinforcement.

Officials have pledged to conduct a full structural assessment of Vinh Tuy Bridge to determine the extent of the damage. Police are also investigating whether the parking lot had the proper permits and met fire safety regulations.

Public Safety Concerns

The incident has sparked renewed debate about the risks of using space beneath bridges for parking and storage. Many residents expressed concern over safety violations and the potential impact on critical infrastructure.

Authorities have urged people to avoid the area while inspections continue. Further updates on the bridge’s condition and responsibilities of the operators are expected in the coming days.

HANOI — The grand military parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and Vietnam’s National Day (A80) will officially begin at 6:30 a.m. on September 2 at Ba Dinh Square, with more than 40,000 participants. Alongside marching contingents from the armed forces and civilians, modern military hardware and special vehicles will also be on display — following separate routes after passing the main stage.

Where Can People Watch the Military Vehicles?

Unlike marching units, armored vehicles, tanks, and artillery will move along designated streets for safety reasons. Knowing the exact routes gives spectators the chance to admire these powerful vehicles up close.

Tanks and Armored Vehicles (Tracked)

• Route: Thanh Nien → Ba Dinh Square → Le Hong Phong → Dien Bien Phu → Nguyen Tri Phuong → Ministry of National Defense Headquarters.

• Best Viewing Spots: Sidewalks along Dien Bien Phu and Tran Phu, which have wide pavements and fewer residential houses, making them less crowded. Early arrivals can also secure space at Thanh Nien Street or the intersection of Thanh Nien – Phan Dinh Phung – Hung Vuong.

Artillery, Missile Launchers, and Special Vehicles (Wheeled)

These will head toward the final gathering point at F1 Racetrack, My Dinh, divided into two routes:

1. Cua Bac – Nghi Tam – Au Co – Vo Chi Cong – Lang – Tran Duy Hung – Thang Long Boulevard – Le Quang Dao

2. Nguyen Thai Hoc – Giang Vo – Lang – Tran Duy Hung – Thang Long Boulevard – Le Quang Dao

• Best Viewing Spots: Large boulevards such as Vo Chi Cong, Tran Duy Hung, and Thang Long Boulevard, ideal for watching long convoys. Closer to the city center, good vantage points include Hung Vuong, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Giang Vo, and Cua Bac.

Safety Guidelines for Spectators

The organizing committee has issued important reminders:

• Do not camp overnight at parade routes.

• Avoid bringing tents, large umbrellas, folding chairs, or bulky items.

• Always follow instructions from public loudspeakers, security forces, and volunteers.

• Be mindful of the community — give space to the elderly, pregnant women, and children, and support those around you when needed.

• Keep a safe distance from convoys at all times.

The A80 parade promises to be one of the largest and most impressive in Vietnam’s history, offering the public rare opportunities to witness advanced military equipment and national pride on display across the streets of Hanoi.

Despite torrential rain sweeping across Hanoi on the afternoon of September 1, thousands of residents and visitors refused to give up their spots along major streets, determined to witness the grand A80 military parade marking the 80th National Day of Vietnam.

Crowds Brave the Rain for a Historic Moment

At around 2 p.m., heavy rain poured down on the capital. Yet on streets such as Kim Ma, Lieu Giai, and Phan Ke Binh, sidewalks were already packed with people staking out the best viewing spots for the next morning’s parade.

Equipped with umbrellas, raincoats, and even makeshift tarps, families, groups of friends, and elderly citizens huddled together to shield themselves from the downpour. Many shared food, drinks, and plastic sheets with strangers, turning the long wait into a communal experience.

“We came early because we wanted front-row seats. Even the rain can’t stop us — this is a once-in-a-lifetime event,” said Nguyen Van Hai, a Hanoi resident who brought his two children to camp out near Ba Dinh Square.

National Spirit Shines Through

The A80 parade is one of the largest celebrations ever organized for Vietnam’s National Day. Thousands of troops, veterans, and civilian contingents will march through Ba Dinh Square on the morning of September 2, accompanied by military vehicles, floats, and cultural performances.

For many, the event is not only a spectacle but also a proud reminder of Vietnam’s history of resilience and unity.

“The atmosphere is incredible. People are singing, waving flags, and cheering even in the rain. It shows how much this day means to the nation,” said Tran Thi Hoa, who traveled from Nam Dinh with her family to attend.

Boost for Tourism and Local Businesses

Hotels and homestays around Hanoi report being fully booked, with many visitors — both domestic and international — planning to stay overnight near the parade route. Street vendors selling raincoats, flags, and snacks have been doing brisk business as crowds continue to gather despite the weather.

According to Hanoi’s Department of Tourism, this year’s National Day holiday has seen a record surge in visitors. Online travel platforms such as Booking.com and Agoda have ranked Hanoi as the top-searched destination for the September 2 holiday, with a sharp increase in international arrivals.

Looking Ahead to September 2

The official A80 military parade will begin at 7 a.m. on September 2 at Ba Dinh Square, featuring representatives from the armed forces, police, youth organizations, and cultural groups. Large LED screens have been set up at key locations to allow those far from the square to watch the live broadcast.

Authorities have advised the public to arrive early, as traffic restrictions and road closures will be in place across central Hanoi from the night of September 1 until after the parade concludes.

For those who braved the rain, the anticipation is worth every drop. “We’re wet and tired, but tomorrow we’ll witness history,” said Le Minh Duc, a 70-year-old veteran standing proudly under his umbrella on Kim Ma Street.

On the afternoon of August 21, Hanoi’s main streets turned into a “sea of people” as thousands gathered to witness the first rehearsal for the 80th National Day (September 2) military parade. Among the crowd were many foreign visitors, eager to experience the historic celebration.

Six-Hour Wait for a Perfect View

Kenzo, a 21-year-old from Luxembourg, took a motorbike taxi from Tay Ho to Ba Dinh early in the day to secure a good spot along Hung Vuong Street. “I waited six hours before it started,” he said.

It was his second visit to Hanoi, and he considered it “a stroke of luck” to return just in time for the grand anniversary. After once witnessing police forces parade around Hoan Kiem Lake, Kenzo was determined to watch the full rehearsal at Ba Dinh Square.

He recalled being deeply moved when locals offered him water, handed out flags, and even shared their viewing space. “The moment when the whole crowd sang the national anthem and shouted ‘Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh!’ gave me goosebumps,” he said.

Shared Emotions Across Borders

Albert, 44, from the Netherlands, also joined the crowd near Hoan Kiem Lake. He was struck by the sight of people wearing áo dài or clothes printed with the national flag. “What touched me most was seeing elderly veterans in uniform salute as the troops marched by. The connection between generations was overwhelming,” he said.

For Albert, the parade was more than a military display — it was a show of unity between the people and the armed forces.

International Fascination

Other foreigners, such as Italians Salvatore Bosco and Eugenio Grosso Sgarrillo, gathered along Thanh Nien Street, waving flags with locals and capturing every moment on their phones.

On social media, expat groups like Hanoi Expats buzzed with tips on the best viewing spots and road closures. TikTok videos under hashtags like #VietnamParade and #MilitaryParadeVietnam attracted hundreds of thousands of views, with many foreigners sharing selfies alongside crowds and soldiers.

Tourism Boom for Hanoi

Major national celebrations are proving to be a magnet for international visitors. During the April 30 celebrations marking 50 years of national reunification, Ho Chi Minh City welcomed 120,000 foreign tourists — up 122% year-on-year.

This time, Hanoi is the center of attention. Booking.com data shows the capital topping the list of destinations searched by Vietnamese travelers for the September 2 holiday. Agoda reports a 44-fold increase in hotel searches compared to last year. Noi Bai International Airport expects record traffic, with up to 110,000 passengers per day, including nearly 44,000 international travelers.

Looking Ahead to September 2

Additional rehearsals are scheduled for August 27 and 30, before the official parade on the morning of September 2 at Ba Dinh Square.

For Anis Espoir, a 32-year-old from Algeria, the event carries a special meaning. “Vietnam and Algeria share a history of fighting for independence against colonialism. That’s why I want to be in Hanoi on September 2, standing with my Vietnamese friends on their most important day of the year,” he said.

As for Kenzo, he’s already preparing for the next rehearsals, with a Vietnamese-flag T-shirt, snacks, water, and a mat in hand. “This is more than a parade — it’s a living history lesson,” he said.

Vietnam has donated VND 385 billion (approximately USD 15 million) to the Cuban people, marking the first disbursement of nationwide contributions. The handover ceremony took place on September 1 in Hanoi, witnessed by General Secretary To Lam and First Secretary, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez.

During talks with President Díaz-Canel, General Secretary To Lam announced the initial results of a 65-day nationwide campaign themed “65 Years of Vietnam – Cuba Solidarity.” The program has mobilized nearly two million participants and raised close to VND 400 billion, reflecting the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

Following the talks, the two leaders also attended the signing of agreements from the 42nd session of the Vietnam–Cuba Intergovernmental Committee. These include cooperation in food production, healthcare, archiving, and biotechnology.

President Díaz-Canel expressed deep gratitude for the Vietnamese people’s affection and generous support, affirming that Vietnam’s achievements over 80 years of nation-building and defense serve as an inspiration for Cuba during its current challenges.

General Secretary To Lam emphasized that “Solidarity with and support for Cuba is the conscience and responsibility of the Communist Party, the State, and the people of Vietnam.”

Both leaders agreed to strengthen economic, trade, and investment ties, particularly in strategic sectors such as agriculture, solar energy, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. Cuba pledged to create favorable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises investing in Cuba, with a focus on rice production and modern agricultural models to boost local food security.

The two sides also committed to promoting joint ventures in pharmaceutical manufacturing, technology transfer, and R&D cooperation in high-tech medicine to provide safe and effective healthcare products. In addition, cooperation will be expanded in defense, security, justice, science and technology, construction, culture, sports, and people-to-people exchanges.

President Díaz-Canel is currently on a state visit to Vietnam, which began on August 31. On September 2, he will attend celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and Vietnam’s National Day.

Hanoi, August 29, 2025 – The Vietnamese war drama Red Rain (Mưa đỏ), directed by Đặng Thái Huyền and produced by the People’s Army Cinema, has achieved a historic milestone, officially crossing the 200 billion VND box office mark.

According to Box Office Vietnam, the film has now become the highest-grossing Vietnamese historical and revolutionary war film, surpassing the previous record of 172 billion VND held by Địa đạo: Mặt trời trong bóng tối.

On August 28 alone, Red Rain earned over 22 billion VND with more than 270,000 tickets sold, far ahead of other titles currently in theaters. Since its release, the film has consistently led the Vietnamese box office, with average daily revenues reaching 20 billion VND and weekend sales topping 81.9 billion VND.

Inspired by the 81-day defense of Quảng Trị Citadel in 1972, the film has resonated strongly with audiences, boosted by patriotic spirit surrounding the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day.

The cast includes Hứa Vĩ Văn, Nam Phương, Phương Nam, Lâm Thanh Nhã, Hoàng Long, and Thân Thúy Hà.

Despite its success, the production has also faced piracy challenges. Actor Steven Nguyễn urged audiences to support the film responsibly:

“If you love the movie, please experience it in theaters and share your feelings genuinely, instead of posting pirated clips online.”

With its record-breaking performance, Red Rain is being hailed as a landmark achievement for Vietnamese cinema.

A South Korean court has sentenced a male manager to one year in prison for violently assaulting a young Vietnamese migrant worker at a packaging facility in Gyeonggi Province.

According to the Korea JoongAng Daily, the Suwon District Court ruled on August 28 that the defendant, identified only as “Mr. A,” inflicted serious injuries on his subordinate, referred to as “Ms. B,” during a workplace altercation.

“The defendant committed severe violence against the victim, who was his junior at work. The victim suffered not only physical injuries but also psychological trauma. We also considered the fact that the victim has not forgiven the defendant,” the court’s verdict stated.

The incident took place on May 19 at a packaging facility in Yongin, where both worked. During a dispute while packing eggs, Mr. A punched and kicked Ms. B in the face and body, leaving her with injuries that required two weeks of recovery.

Mr. A reportedly admitted to police that he attacked the worker because he felt she did not “show him respect.” Surveillance footage confirmed the assault.

Prosecutors had requested a two-year prison term, calling the case “especially serious” because the victim was a young female foreign worker.

Mr. A, in his 40s, was arrested and indicted in May. Ms. B, in her 20s, has not been named publicly.

Gastroenterologist Zhi Alan Cheng, a former physician at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens Medical Center, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for drugging, raping, and filming multiple victims — including his own patients. Authorities also discovered large quantities of illegal drugs in his apartment.

According to The New York Times (Aug. 29), Cheng, 34, pleaded guilty in June to four counts of first-degree rape and three counts of first-degree sexual abuse. Prosecutors revealed he preyed on both acquaintances and vulnerable patients under his medical care.

“The defendant committed a series of monstrous acts against women,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said in a statement. “He exploited his position not only as a citizen targeting acquaintances, but also as a doctor assaulting vulnerable patients who came to him for help.”

Disturbing Evidence Emerges

The case began in late 2022 when a woman discovered disturbing videos of herself and others being assaulted and alerted police. Cheng was arrested in December 2022.

A search of his apartment uncovered digital storage devices containing dozens of recordings showing him assaulting unconscious women. Investigators also found LSD, ketamine, fentanyl, and surgical-grade anesthetics.

In one instance, Cheng raped a woman he met on a dating app, filming the assault with a small brown vial — later identified as a powerful sedative — visible in the footage. Prosecutors confirmed the same type of vial was seized from his home.

Victims Among His Patients

Cheng also targeted patients at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens. In 2021, he filmed himself molesting a 37-year-old unconscious patient. In another case, a 19-year-old woman reported that Cheng performed an unnecessary rectal exam, injected an unknown substance into her IV, and then sexually assaulted her.

Cheng was fired and stripped of his medical license in December 2022. He was later indicted on more than 50 charges, including rape, sexual abuse, assault, unlawful drug possession, and illegal video recording.

Sentence and Aftermath

Following his 24-year prison term, Cheng will face 10 years of supervised release and will remain on the sex offender registry.

After shattering records as the most-watched English-language film in Netflix history, K-pop Demon Hunters is reportedly moving forward with a sequel. Netflix and Sony are in early talks to reunite the directing duo Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, raising fans’ hopes for an expanded cinematic universe.

A Global Phenomenon on Netflix

Released on June 22, K-pop Demon Hunters became an instant global sensation. In just 91 days, the animated feature racked up more than 236 million views, surpassing Red Notice to become Netflix’s most-watched English film ever.

The movie’s mix of vibrant animation, modern storytelling, and music-driven action quickly won over audiences worldwide. Its soundtrack made history on the Billboard Hot 100, with four tracks landing in the Top 10 at once, led by the viral hit Golden from the fictional group Huntrix. In South Korea, Golden achieved a rare Perfect All-Kill, dominating charts for over 1,000 hours straight.

What to Expect in Season 2

In interviews, director Maggie Kang hinted that the first film only scratched the surface:

“We planted details about the characters’ pasts that couldn’t all fit in 85 minutes. Rumi’s story came first, but we still want to explore Zoey and Mira.”

This has fueled speculation that the sequel could expand into a multi-character, universe-style franchise similar to Spider-Verse.

A Profitable Deal for Sony

Despite some critics saying Sony missed an opportunity by not releasing the film theatrically, industry experts call the Netflix deal a “rare win.” Netflix covered the $100 million production budget, paid Sony an additional $25 million licensing fee, and shared profits from soundtrack and music rights.

With Pixar’s original film Elio struggling at the box office, Sony’s streaming-first approach may have been the smarter move in a post-pandemic market.

Awards Buzz and Sequel Negotiations

Netflix is also preparing a subtle Oscar campaign for K-pop Demon Hunters, mirroring its strategy with the Spider-Verse franchise. The film’s high replay value — with kids reportedly watching it six to eight times on average — shows its staying power.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, negotiations between Netflix and Sony for a second installment are progressing smoothly. Netflix’s film chief Dan Lin praised Sony and the directing duo, saying:

“Netflix allows films to find their audience naturally and sustainably over time — something theaters can’t do if a film opens slowly.”

The Future of K-pop Demon Hunters

With critical acclaim, record-breaking viewership, and massive fan demand, it’s only a matter of time before K-pop Demon Hunters 2 becomes official. Whether the sequel dives deeper into Zoey and Mira’s stories or expands into a larger K-pop-inspired universe, fans can expect more music, action, and cultural impact.