Vietnam’s showbiz stars say tattoos are artistic expressions like any other.

For years, tattoos have been thought of as the mark of a criminal in Vietnam.

Usually associated with convicts and gang members, tattoos have been known to raise more than a few disapproving eyebrows throughout the country.

But as local celebrities have begun to flaunt their body art, more and more youngsters are beginning to put the ink to the skin.

According to Nguyen Dang Thien, one of Vietnam’s tattoo pioneers who owns the popular body art parlors Saigon Ink in Ho Chi Minh City, celebrities have been a leading driver behind the popularity of tattoos in Vietnam.

“I think the celebrities are slowly ridding the country of its bias against tattooing and our own tattoo styles and cultures are beginning to emerge.”

Trailblazer

Singer Duy Manh, who shot to fame in 2006 with his hit single Kiep do den (Gambling fate), was one of the first Vietnamese stars to sport a tattoo. While in Germany that same year, Duy Manh emblazoned his back with the image of a necklace wrapped around a crucifix, causing a public stir when he returned home, with the press lampooning his decision. Many critics said the tattoo was proof that Manh “was not raised properly.”

But Manh said Vietnam didn’t understand tattoos yet.

“My tattoo is normal. Just like people who love to wear bracelets or earrings, I love artistic images on my body.”

Tattoo duo and ‘the eagle’

On first sight, the slender, petite and innocent-faced Thuy Tien does not look like someone who would have a tattoo. But the pop star has gone under the ink needle five times, most recently to have the good-luck image of a seraph drawn on her neck.

“I live for myself and take responsibility for what I do,” said Tien. “I don’t waste my time worrying about what other people think about me. People who get tattoos are the brave ones who don’t worry about public perceptions and just do what they love.”

Tien’s celebrity lover, football star Le Cong Vinh, is another brave soul who has joined the tattoo club.

As a fan of Real Madrid’s top striker Christiano Ronaldo, Vinh now has the nickname “CV9” tattooed on his bicep in homage to Ronald’s nickname “CR7.”

Another showbiz idol with a tattoo is Ung Hoang Phuc, who said the eagle on his neck represented his personality.

“The eagle symbolizes strength,” said Phuc who noted that his family name, Ung, also means “eagle.”

Stop and enjoy the music

Singer Tuan Hung said his tattoo also represents his unique character traits.

The flame on his bicep stands for his birth sign.

“My birth element is fire, according to Eastern philosophy. Fire is the symbol of vitality and zeal for life,” said Hung.

Tina Tinh, another local singer, said a tattoo on her back was inspired by the name of a nun who saved her life. Tinh’s other tattoo is of a rest note symbol.

“The tattoo on my back expresses my appreciation and gratefulness for her. The rest note just reminds me that we all need moments of calm to remember the past.”

VietNamNet/Thanh Nien