Captured from Twitter
The fusion of heritage and identity has ignited a spirited discourse in Vietnam following revelations about the dual nationality of Hanni, an esteemed member of the K-pop sensation NewJeans. The Vietnamese-Australian artist's background has spurred passionate conversations, with some questioning the circumstances of her family's history and migration.
Hanni, born Pham Ngoc Han in 2004 in Melbourne, Australia, occupies a unique position as a link between two cultures. Her familial roots in Vietnam, coupled with her upbringing in Australia, have led to conjecture about her ancestors' journey as "boat people." This term harkens back to the tumultuous period after the Communist forces secured control over Vietnam in 1975, prompting thousands to flee the nation in small boats in search of refuge.
Her grandparents' migration to Australia, a destination favored by many "boat people," has prompted speculation about their motives and the notion of having "abandoned" their homeland. This debate has found a platform online, where sentiments range from understanding to animosity. While some online users in Vietnam view Hanni as emblematic of her family's decision to seek safety abroad, others assert that her personal identity should not be conflated with historical events.
In the face of this discourse, Hanni's fans are rallying to her side, asserting that she should not be held accountable for the actions of her forebears. They contend that Hanni's stance on political matters, if any, should not be ascribed to her based on her family's past. Amidst this fervor, the controversy highlights the intersection of personal narratives and collective history.
"Political ideology should not define an individual, especially when they are not responsible for their family's past choices," one supporter voiced, encapsulating a sentiment echoed by many.
Nevertheless, NewJeans, the K-pop girl group comprising Hanni alongside Minji, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein, continues to thrive in Vietnam and beyond. The group's musical prowess has reverberated across platforms, with songs like "Attention," "Hype Boy," and "Cookie" attaining positions on Spotify's daily top song chart in Vietnam. The ensemble's album consistently dominates iTunes charts within the nation.
A testament to NewJeans' meteoric rise, their 2023 release "Ditto" achieved a remarkable milestone, gracing Billboard's principal singles chart just six months after their debut. This accomplishment solidified their status as the fastest K-pop act to achieve such recognition. The group's foundation is intrinsically linked to Min Hee-jin, CEO of ADOR and former creative director at the renowned SM Entertainment. ADOR, a sub-label of the influential HYBE, boasts K-pop juggernaut BTS among its roster.
As NewJeans continues to captivate hearts with their music and impact, the dialogue surrounding Hanni's heritage brings to the fore the complexities of individual and collective identity in an increasingly interconnected world.
Sayart.net
Joy, nunimbos@gmail.com
