Why is Karaoke So Popular in Vietnam? - A Perspective

Karaoke is considered one of the most popular forms of nighlife entertainment in Vietnam. Source: Google Images

Karaoke and Vietnam

Karaoke has become deeply intertwined with Vietnamese culture, serving as a ubiquitous feature of daily life and social events. It is not uncommon to hear neighbors enthusiastically singing from their home sound systems, often at volumes reminiscent of a festival's main stage. This widespread enthusiasm reflects a cultural affinity for karaoke, which permeates various occasions, from casual gatherings to, in some instances, even funerals.

What underlies this extraordinary popularity of karaoke in Vietnam? Why has it become a cross-generational pastime, and could its appeal stem from something more profound than its accessibility as entertainment? This blog post explores karaoke in Vietnamese culture through an anthropological lens, arguing that its prominence is rooted in a cultural need for emotional expression. This outlet, I contend, is indirectly shaped by Confucian ideals, particularly those emphasizing filial piety, hierarchy, and social harmony which historically encouraged emotional restraint and self-regulation.

A Brief History of Karaoke In Vietnam

Karaoke was introduced to Vietnam in the 1980s, initially brought over from Japan, where it was invented in the 1970s. It gained popularity in Vietnam during the 1990s as a social activity, particularly in urban areas. Karaoke suited Vietnamese culture well, as it aligns with traditions of music, community, and festive gatherings.

Karaoke saw a rise in popularity during the 1990s as the country began to 

Over time, karaoke became a widespread form of entertainment, with dedicated karaoke bars and private rooms becoming common throughout the country. It is now an integral part of Vietnamese social life, used in celebrations, family gatherings, and even business networking events.

Confucianist Influence

What is confucianism?

Confucianism is an inherently chinese philosphy founded by philospher Kong Qiu, later ascribed as Confucius. It focuses on living a moral and harmonious life by following core principles like respect for others, especially elders and authority, fulfilling one's duties, and maintaining strong family and social relationships. Central to Confucianism are the ideas of filial piety (respect and care for parents and ancestors) and the importance of education for personal and societal improvement.

Confucius in a legendary philospher whose ideas still impact billions of people today. Souce Google Images

Why is Confucianism in Vietnamese Culture?

Confucianism was introduced into Vietnam during periods of Chinese Colonisation, particularly starting in 111 BCE when the Han Dynasty annexed northern Vietnam. Over the next millennium, Chinese rulers implemented Confucian principles in governance, education, and social organization. Even after Vietnam gained independence in 938 CE, Confucianism remained influential.

How has Confucinism Shaped Vietnamese Culture?

In Confucian philosophy, including its influence on Vietnamese culture, expressing one's true feelings is often tempered by the values of harmony, propriety, and respect for others. Confucianism prioritizes maintaining social order and minimizing conflict, which can sometimes mean suppressing individual emotions to the greater good of the family or community. This has led to a cultural emphasis on emotional restraint, politeness, and indirect communication to avoid disrupting relationships.

In the context of filial piety, expressing one's feelings must align with respect for elders and the preservation of harmony within the family. For example, children are encouraged to show gratitude, loyalty, and care for their parents, but they might hesitate to voice disagreement or frustration directly if it risks upsetting familial bonds. Personally, I see this most evidently either between students and teachers and or between employees and bosses.

While there is room for genuine emotional expression, it is often channeled in culturally acceptable ways, such as poetry and particularly through the medium of Karaoke. This medium has been culturally adopted as a way to express emotion via song and performance. But then the question is, why Karaoke? why not another channel?

Analysis

Vietnamese culture, like many others, offers diverse avenues for artistic, philosophical, and spiritual expression, each shaped by its unique historical and social context. Among the younger generation, there is a notable surge in self-expression through fashion, body art, social media, and micro-entrepreneurship, reflecting a shift in generational dynamics. However, when it comes to expressing emotions, particularly those related to disagreement with authority, whether in the home, workplace, or society, such acts remain contentious and carry significant social risks. This restraint is deeply rooted in cultural values like social harmony and filial piety.

For a Vietnamese individual raised within these traditions, voicing dissent can exact a high social cost, not only for themselves but also for their family, contrasting sharply with Western cultural norms. This restraint extends beyond expressions of disagreement to even those of praise or love. In many Vietnamese families, love is often communicated through actions rather than words, sacrificing personal desires and aspirations for the collective survival and well-being of the family. While these gestures are deeply meaningful, the lack of verbal expression can lead to emotional suppression over time.

Fashion is one of the most pivotal ways young Vietnamese express their individuality.

This is where karaoke emerges as a significant cultural outlet. The ritual of karaoke, taking turns to sing songs in a shared space, creates a socially sanctioned environment where individuals can express themselves verbally and emotionally, often in ways that might otherwise be considered inappropriate or uncomfortable. In a culturally conservative society like Vietnam, karaoke provides a rare opportunity for unrestrained vocal expression without fear of judgment. The act of singing, regardless of skill, is both expected and accepted, offering a temporary reprieve from the pressures of social conformity.

For those who have spent time in Vietnam, the sound of neighbors enthusiastically attempting to match pitch and tone during karaoke sessions is a familiar and endearing aspect of daily life. It highlights karaoke’s role as more than just entertainment, it is a culturally significant means of self-expression in a society that values restraint and harmony.

Final Thoughts

Karaoke is more than just a form of entertainment in Vietnam, it is a means of self-expression that is influenced by Confucian principles and values that have traditionally fostered emotional restraint and disciplined self-expression. While this does not extend to every individual, it is undeniable that the ritual of Karaoke is an important part of Vietnamese culture.

I too have ‘let my heart out’ at a few Karaoke sessions and I can easily understand why it is such a great way to release suppressed emotions, after shouting out lyrics to your favourite songs and laughing with your friends about the qaulity of your performance, you cant help but end a session is higher spirits.

Here’s an attempt by me to sing Mộng Chiều Xuân at a new years party in 2022/23. It felt great!

Singing like a local

Karaoke is just one of the many great ways to experience a true vietnamese night-out. If your interested in having authentic night-out like a local in Central Vietnam, contact us to enquire more about nightlife in Vietnam.