Last year, Minh Tu faced health challenges, putting her career on hold for treatment and recovery. As she welcomes the Binh Ngo year 2026, the 34-year-old model discusses life changes and future plans.

"How will you and your husband celebrate Tet this year?"

"My husband Christopher and I will welcome the new year at home. Afterward, we will visit family and relatives, and go to pagodas to light incense for our ancestors. My house is close to my mother's, so we visit often. After the first day of Tet, my family will host close friends for new year wishes, tea, candied fruits, and to reminisce about the past year's joys and sorrows. Tet in TP HCM isn't as bustling as in the countryside, but it still has these activities."

Christopher works for a foreign company, so his schedule differs from Vietnamese Tet. We are trying to arrange a few days off to travel to Nha Trang, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc.

Minh Tu, originally from TP HCM, won silver at Vietnam Supermodel 2013 and Miss Supranational Asia 2018. Photo: *Provided by subject*

"How was your year in terms of work and personal life?"

"2025 was a year of many changes; my health faced numerous challenges. In 8/2025, while participating in the 'Sao nhap ngu' program, I tore a ligament, meniscus, suffered a knee bone contusion, and had knee joint effusion, requiring surgery and a break from work."

"This accident caused me to miss many work opportunities, most regrettably fashion shows for designers. I couldn't catwalk with a limping leg. The treatment was lengthy, from surgery and recovery to daily physical therapy, which took a lot of my time."

"Initially, I was sad and shocked, not expecting my injury to be so serious. I'm an active person, unable to sit still, enjoying sports and going out. But suddenly, I had to be in a cast, lying still in bed, which was uncomfortable. With encouragement from my husband, family, and friends, I tried to overcome it, strictly following the doctor's treatment schedule to recover as quickly as possible."

Husband taking Minh Tu to the hospital for treatment after her injury. Photo: *Provided by subject*

"What did you learn from this setback?"

"Every cloud has a silver lining. This injury gave me more time for myself. I started listening to my body's changes as I approached 40. Lying quietly in bed, I had more time to reflect, reminding myself to gradually accept that not everything, not all my plans, will go exactly as intended. I realized the impermanent changes of life and what I needed was to adapt and change. Change to do my best with the new situation, change to escape negativity."

"In Buddhism, there is a beautiful saying: 'Everything depends on karma'. Everything is destiny, so I gradually accepted the constant stream of difficulties. These were valuable lessons, exchanged for time, money, and health. I believe in Buddhism, in karmic connections. When I started to accept and adapt, everything naturally became peaceful and happy. Actively doing good deeds also helps me find more peace."

"The incident also made me care for my family more, and gave me time to study, read books, and produce content. Previously, my weekends were busy. Since my recovery, my husband and I have spent every saturday and sunday together."

"How did your husband become your emotional support during this difficult period?"

"I'm fortunate to have a sincere and kind husband. Christopher isn't just a shoulder to lean on now. Even before we married, whenever I had health issues, he showed great concern and encouragement. I know I chose the right person."

"After surgery, I was bedridden, and he took care of all my daily needs. Every day, he cooked soup and salmon to nourish me. Three times a week, he drove me to the physical therapy center. Being sick and having difficulty moving sometimes made me short-tempered, but he understood, joked, and comforted me, so everything worked out. Previously, I was quite masculine, but after getting married, I became gentler and more affectionate."

"I believe that once you become husband and wife, you must share and help each other through all the good and bad, difficulties and hardships. My husband and I are lucky to always keep the flame of love, sweetness, and romance alive. That is also the motivation for us to build our small family. We have a rule: when an argument is about to erupt, we both have to be silent and do something else to let things settle down. Afterward, we still go out to eat, walk the dog, and shop together, then wait for the right time to explain."

"After a tumultuous year, what do you hope for in 2026?"

"I wish everyone good health and peace. If my family welcomes a new member, that would be the greatest joy. Previously, I felt pressured about having children because we are no longer young, but now I don't worry about it. Thanks to recent events, I no longer have high expectations or pursue any specific plans. Not everything you want can be achieved. The more you desire, the more pressure you put on yourself, which can make things harder. Having children is a matter of destiny. Most importantly, my husband and I know how to love and care for each other."

"Besides focusing on health, I am still committed to my work. I yearn to return to the fashion runway – a career I've been dedicated to for over 10 years – as soon as possible. Now that I've recovered and am healthy, this year I will definitely not refuse, and will perform more. Additionally, I want to further develop in e-commerce, producing more quality content on my channels to create positive value for the audience. This activity helps me generate more income for the charitable activities I am currently involved in."

By Y Ly