Controversial rope posing challenge: What does Vietnam's Next Top Model say?

(Dan Tri) - Having just aired episode 1, Vietnam's Next Top Model 2025 not only attracted attention because of Thanh Hang's act of hanging in the air, but also caused controversy when it presented a photo challenge that was considered outdated.

The opening episode of Vietnam's Next Top Model 2025 aired on the evening of August 3rd is attracting mixed opinions on social networks, especially surrounding the aerial photo shoot of host Thanh Hang and the contestants.

Specifically, in episode 1, Thanh Hang appeared at a height of 5m, hanging in the air and continuously posing in front of the camera to demonstrate to the contestants. From above, she introduced: "This is a challenge for you with the essence of Vietnam's Next Top Model 2025 ".

The supermodel also explained: "With this challenge, contestants must overcome height and resistance in the air to create beautiful pictures."

However, in the behind-the-scenes footage shared on social media, Thanh Hang clearly showed her struggle while performing the demonstration. The strong wind, the height and the shaking of the resistance pole made it difficult for her to maintain her balance and control her posing.

The video quickly went viral, drawing mixed comments. Some viewers said Thanh Hang’s performance was unconvincing and unworthy of an experienced host.

Some even commented that her performance was “inferior” to the contestants. In the face of the controversy, the supermodel is currently keeping silent.

Thanh Hang's aerial photography demonstration is being widely shared (Photo: Organizing Committee).

Not only did the host's performance cause controversy, the challenge of hanging from a height of 5m was also considered "outdated". Many viewers commented that this idea of taking aerial photos appeared in the first seasons of the show more than 10 years ago, and is no longer new and has little practicality in the modeling profession.

Some comments from netizens: "Not to mention the coach's expertise, but the show's idea looks terribly outdated, it seems like it came from 2010"; "This is a fashion model search show, so it must always be updated with the newest and most creative things"; "What era is this, still swinging on a rope like this"...

The audience thinks the show's challenges are outdated (Photo: Organizers).

In response to the mixed opinions, the program's producers have responded. Accordingly, the crew affirmed that Vietnam's Next Top Model 2025 returns after 8 years of absence with a comprehensive upgrade orientation in both content and image.

The photo challenge of hanging from a 5m high resistance tree is described as a "test of fire" not only in terms of physical strength and charisma but also in terms of posing skills. The production crew said they had invested in a cable system and a team of professional stuntmen to serve this challenge.

The program side affirmed: "This harsh challenge not only requires endurance and flexibility to maintain balance while standing on the resistance tree, but is also a harsh test of the ability to interact with the lens in unfavorable conditions.

In this challenge, the comments from the three judges, especially host Thanh Hang, were clearly constructive, helping the contestants look directly at their weaknesses to improve themselves."

Contestant Hang Ngo's performance (Photo: Organizing Committee).

In terms of fashion, each contestant wore designs made specifically for the show by Fashion Director Tran Dat. The costumes, accessories and makeup were all carefully crafted to create a strong visual effect, reflecting the spirit of upgrading that the show aims for.

In addition, the producer of Vietnam's Next Top Model 2025 also confirmed that they have changed the content orientation, reducing drama, no longer having fierce arguments or debates like before, instead promoting the elements of fairness, professionalism and humanity in the competition environment.

The fact that Tra My (nickname Nang Mo) - a contestant who was rumored to have received favoritism due to her fame on social media - was stopped by host Thanh Hang in the middle of the competition because of her weak performance in the air challenge, was confirmed by the producer "not because of her online influence or previous fame".

"This is a tough modeling competition - where fairness and true ability are the criteria for evaluation. Outstanding appearance or high number of followers cannot replace skills, charisma and seriousness towards the competition," the producer affirmed.

Regarding not eliminating any contestants in the first episode, the show also said that the judges wanted to keep all 15 contestants, giving them more opportunities to prove themselves.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giai-tri/thu-thach-du-day-tao-dang-gay-tranh-cai-vietnams-next-top-model-noi-gi-20250806132010113.htm