Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has taken action against Netflix’s series “Shine on Me,” citing its distribution of content that violates the nation’s sovereignty. In a notice issued on January 3, the department indicated that the 27-episode series was being made available in Vietnam, specifically up to episode 25, and had been rated T13, appropriate for viewers aged 13 and older.
Upon review, the ministry discovered that the series included multiple map images showcasing the controversial “U-shaped line,” which have been deemed inaccurate and a breach of Vietnam’s territorial integrity. Significant concerns were raised particularly regarding episode 25, roughly between the timestamps of 32 minutes and 34 minutes.
As a result of these findings, the department classified “Shine on Me” as a C-rated film, leading to its prohibition from distribution within Vietnam. This action aligns with regulations outlined in the 2022 Law on Cinematography, specifically under Point d, Clause 1, Article 9.
The enforcement action further dictated that Netflix must remove the series from its platform within 24 hours of the notice, with a deadline set for 9 p.m. on January 3, 2026. Additionally, the streaming service is mandated to submit a report confirming the removal by 10 p.m. on January 4.
This development underscores the ongoing sensitivity surrounding media content in Vietnam and highlights the government’s vigilance in upholding national sovereignty. As the global media landscape continues to evolve, so too will the challenges associated with cultural representation and territorial disputes in digital content distribution.