“The Hanoi Times: When Discipline Meets Digital Distraction”
THE HANOI TIMES — In the bustling digital landscape, Vietnam stands out with its unique brand of online celebrities: disciplined and honorable military personnel. However, the recent phenomenon surrounding Senior Lieutenant Le Hoang Hiep sheds light on a peculiar intersection of military discipline and the chaotic world of social media fandom.
On June 6, as Hiep arrived at the Hanoi Station, he found himself unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight. Hundreds of adoring fans crowded the station, their enthusiasm spilling over into chaos as they shouted his name and reached out for a touch of his uniform. This unexpected frenzy transformed Hiep’s routine arrival into a challenging situation.
The build-up to the 80th anniversary of National Day on September 2 brought Hiep unexpected attention. From the 50th anniversary of the Southern Liberation and National Reunification in April to the upcoming National Day celebrations, he has become an online sensation.
The scene that unfolded before him resembled more of a K-pop concert than a military event. Screaming fans, livestreamers, and photo hunters turned Hiep’s arrival into a bizarre reflection of today’s youth culture, obsessed with idol worship. The dignified image of the Vietnamese soldier, a symbol of duty and sacrifice inspired by “Uncle Ho’s Army,” was at risk of being reduced to a shallow social media spectacle.
A photogenic face, a chiseled physique, and a neatly pressed uniform were all it took for Hiep to be labeled a “national heartthrob” and a “military idol.” Ironically, this disciplined officer now relies on his fellow soldiers to form a protective barrier, not for security threats but to shield him from the overwhelming attention of enthusiastic youths seeking selfies and viral moments.
This episode is a cultural wake-up call that extends beyond a mere internet fad. It exposes misplaced admiration, distorted values, and the blurring of personal boundaries in the digital arena.
While it is natural for young people to seek positive role models, the mob-like obsession witnessed here turns admiration into a tragicomedy of modern idolization. The behavior of the crowds, chanting the serviceman’s name and pushing for viral content, sends a troubling message. These fans are not honoring the man but objectifying him, robbing him of his dignity in the process.
Admiring a soldier’s appearance is one thing, but hounding him at his training ground and treating him like a red-carpet celebrity is another. This spectacle belittles both the individual and the esteemed military institution he represents. The uniform of a senior lieutenant is a symbol of sacrifice, duty, and national defense, not a costume for TikTok trends or viral fame.
The fact that Hiep’s comrades had to form a “rescue squad” to extract him from the swarm of selfie-seekers is telling. It highlights a deeper issue within celebrity culture, where appearance often overshadows character, and performance takes precedence over purpose.
Soldiers are trained for endurance, protection, and service, often facing challenges that require silence and strength. However, for some youths, these qualities seem to pale in comparison to a photogenic face illuminated by perfect lighting.
Ironically, Vietnam boasts countless heroes worthy of admiration, from scientists and athletes to laborers tirelessly building the nation. Yet, some choose to fixate on a uniform rather than the service and sacrifice it represents.
Hiep is not an isolated case. During the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Southern Liberation and National Reunification in April, other “good-looking” soldiers faced similar attention. Girls screamed and shouted, making light of their disciplined actions. While some may view these scenes as entertaining, they cross the line into disrespect for these dedicated servicemen.
This is not harmless fun; it’s a loss of perspective. It’s time to refocus the narrative and address the deeper issues at play. The media must act responsibly, avoiding the temptation to sensationalize servicemen and women for clicks. Instead, they should respect their roles, privacy, and professional boundaries.
Educational institutions and communities play a pivotal role in guiding young people to value substance over superficiality and responsibility over viral fame. The military, too, must maintain its discipline and resist the allure of public spectacle. Officers like Hiep should not be passive victims of internet trends but active guardians of national integrity, unaffected by the fickle nature of popularity contests.
Most importantly, this incident serves as a teachable moment. It underscores the importance of respecting the uniform, the duty it entails, and the individual behind the rank. Let us admire their courage and discipline, not just their digital fame. Let Hiep and his comrades be known for their service and dedication to the nation, not as idols of an algorithm.
