Phung Ngoc, the actor known for his childhood role as Co in the popular Vietnamese TV series "Dat Phuong Nam", recently reappeared at the wedding reception of his former co-star, Hung Thuan (who played An) on July 12 in Ho Chi Minh City. Though his appearance has changed considerably since his acting days, many recognized him and stopped to chat.

Phung Ngoc, who played Co, celebrates the wedding of Hung Thuan and his wife, Thanh Tam, on July 12. Photo: Quynh Tran

Phung Ngoc, who played Co, celebrates the wedding of Hung Thuan and his wife, Thanh Tam, on July 12. Photo: Quynh Tran

The 41-year-old actor shared that he moved back to Ho Chi Minh City a few months ago after a period of moving around. He is currently running a small dried seafood business, primarily selling dried stingray, with a partner. He previously worked with a food company in Gia Lai but has since branched out on his own.

Over a year after his marriage, Phung Ngoc admitted that he and his wife haven't started a family due to financial constraints. They are still renting a small room in an industrial area, and his wife has temporarily returned to her hometown in Binh Dinh province. "I'm learning the ropes of business. Life can be tiring, and when it gets tough, I just go for walks to clear my head," he said.

Phung Ngoc acknowledged the enduring affection from his fans. "I've been away from acting for a long time, and I don't have many connections in the industry anymore. But I still feel the love from the audience. Many people see me selling and buy my products to support me," he said.

Two years ago, Phung Ngoc's appearance at the premiere of the "Dat Rung Phuong Nam" movie sparked speculation about a return to acting. However, he confessed to feeling self-conscious about his appearance, believing his physique limits his opportunities.

To stay connected to his passion, he writes scripts and films short acting videos for social media. These videos are primarily self-produced using his phone, as he hasn't found a filming crew to assist him in creating more elaborate content.

Phung Ngoc, along with other artists, attends Hung Thuan's wedding reception on July 12. Video: Mai Nhat

Phung Ngoc rose to fame as Co in director Nguyen Vinh Son's "Dat Phuong Nam." While he appeared in a few other films, none achieved the same success. Feeling his time in the entertainment industry had passed, he gradually withdrew and took on various jobs, including working on a rubber plantation, driving a motorbike taxi, cutting hair, and selling clothes on the street.

In October 2023, Hung Thuan visited Phung Ngoc at his rented room, where he was working as a security guard, earning 7 million VND per month and paying 1.5 million VND for rent. Concerned about his friend's situation, Hung Thuan encouraged him to try livestreaming and selling products online. Though they initially collaborated, Phung Ngoc later stopped.

Later that year, a TV show crew gifted Phung Ngoc a motorbike. He then left Binh Duong province and moved to the Central Highlands. In May 2024, he married his girlfriend, Lam Thi Chi, who is 10 years younger than him, in Binh Dinh.

Phung Ngoc (0:48) in the scene where Vo Tong hunts a crocodile in "Dat Phuong Nam." Video: TFS

The 11-episode TV series "Dat Phuong Nam," released in 1997, tells the story of An, an orphaned boy searching for his father in southern Vietnam. He encounters impoverished people struggling under oppression. Despite the hardships, An finds love and support, giving him the strength to persevere. The series became a cultural phenomenon and remains a classic. Characters like An, Co, Mr. Ba (the snake catcher), Uncle Ba Phi, and Vo Tong resonated with generations of viewers. In 2023, director Quang Dung released a film adaptation featuring Tran Thanh, Mai Tai Phen, Tien Luat, and Hao Khang, which grossed 140 billion VND.

Mai Nhat