Ngọc Mai and Quốc Nghiệp had to work with the Ministry of Culture Inspectors when returning to their country

On May 29, in an interview with Dan Tri newspaper, a representative of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) stated: "The MCST inspection team will collaborate with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports to work with Ngoc Mai and Quoc Nghiep. Initially, they will wait for the couple to return to the country before having a direct meeting."

Regarding the incident, the Ho Chi Minh City Police confirmed that they had assigned officers to work with the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music. The meeting aimed to verify and clarify issues related to singer Ngoc Mai, who has been involved in controversies recently, particularly regarding her performance in the U.S.

Ngoc Mai and Quoc Nghiep, artists (Photo: Screen capture).

Regarding Quoc Nghiep and Ngoc Mai traveling abroad, an MCST official told Dan Tri reporter that according to the 2010 Law on Cadres, civil servants, and public employees, obtaining permission for leave (unpaid leave) in general, as well as traveling abroad for work or tourism for officials, civil servants, and public employees must be approved by the head of the agency. If Ngoc Mai and Quoc Nghiep are working in a state agency, they need permission from the leader to perform overseas.

Previously, in an interview with the press, Nguyen My Hanh, Secretary of the Party Committee, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music, stated that the Conservatory terminated the contract with lecturer Ngoc Mai in 2019. Currently, singer Ngoc Mai is no longer a lecturer and no longer participates in guest lectures at the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music.

The reporter also contacted the Southern Art Performing Theater, where it was rumored that Quoc Nghiep worked, to learn more about the situation. However, a source from the theater stated that Quoc Nghiep had been on leave from the theater for some time and was no longer on the official staff.

Singer Ngoc Mai facing criticism (Photo: Facebook character).

In recent days, Ngoc Mai and Quoc Nghiep have sparked public outrage by appearing in a video next to a red flag with three yellow stripes. The incident has angered the audience, with many calling for a boycott and a ban on the two artists, and expressing the desire for authorities to take strict action.

In response to the public outcry, Quoc Nghiep and Ngoc Mai stated that their family was on a summer vacation combined with charity performances in the U.S. While staying with relatives, they lost control of the appearance of the red flag in the video and promised to "deeply reflect on the experience."

However, their explanation only fueled further public outrage. Many believe that the couple did not apologize and failed to convince the majority of the audience.