Nguyen plays Khoai, the son of Bac (Duy Hung) and Lan Anh (Luong Thu Trang). His natural expressions and realistic dialogue have resonated with viewers. After Lan Anh's infidelity leads to the couple's divorce, Khoai lives with his father. In episode 12, missing his mother, Khoai wanders off after school. When brought home, he sobs, begging his mother not to leave him and blaming his father for driving her away. The next day, scolded at the dinner table for not feeding himself, Khoai tearfully explains through a mouthful of rice, "It's just my eyes leaking, I'm not crying."
The poignant scene has touched viewers and been widely shared on social media. On a Vietnamese film fanpage with nearly 200,000 followers, one user commented, "The boy acts so well, so naturally. His sad, watery eyes are incredibly moving." Another viewer shared that they eagerly await each episode to see him perform.
Khoi Nguyen expressed his happiness at receiving such positive feedback. He admits feeling a bit shy but pleased when recognized as "the child actor" by friends. To prepare for his role, Nguyen practices his lines with his mother at home before each scene. On set, he receives further guidance from fellow actors. For crying scenes, "dad Hung" and "mom Trang" help him analyze the situation. "I imagine if my real mom left, I'd be very scared, so I cry," Nguyen explained.
Nguyen's mother, Nghiem Quynh Mai, shared that he previously modeled for several brands. Seeing his confidence on camera, she asked if he wanted to try acting, and he agreed. She enrolled him in an acting school in Hanoi.
When the "Gentle Sunlight" team was casting, the school recommended Nguyen. He landed the role after one audition. This is Nguyen's first major project. Previously, he had a small role in the 2024 series "No Time".
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Khoi Nguyen and actor Duy Hung in a scene. Photo: VFC |
A typical filming day for Nguyen starts at 6:30 a.m. with travel to Vietnam Television and then to the set with the crew. Some days wrap up early, but others can go late, sometimes until 11 p.m. His mother accompanies him every day, providing support behind the scenes.
Despite the demanding schedule, Nguyen never complains of tiredness and remains determined. To ensure his education doesn't suffer, his family arranges tutoring on days he's not filming. He also brings schoolwork to the set to study between takes. According to his mother, Nguyen aspires to act in more films, dreaming of a professional acting career.
Directed by Bui Quoc Viet, "Gentle Sunlight" premiered in early June. The series explores the lives of urban workers and features a cast including Duy Hung, Luong Thu Trang, Nguyet Hang, and younger talents like Cu Thi Tra, Mai Hue, and Ngoc Huyen. According to screenwriter Trinh Khanh Ha, the series not only portrays love stories but also highlights overcoming challenges and the bonds formed among strangers in a boarding house.
Phuong Linh
