The singer talked about her life and work after finalizing her divorce from her Japanese husband in 4/2025.

Turning 60, how do you feel you've changed?

I feel my spirit is only around 45. I have good health, a comfortable mental state, and I get to do what I love. I know how to love myself more than before by exercising, dressing well, traveling, and socializing more.

Many people fear turning 60, but I embrace it comfortably and still feel confident. Every life has its own beauty. At any point in time, we should live fully with our own joy.

Singer Hong Hanh, 60, is the daughter of artist Ngoc Cam and musician Nguyen Huu Thiet. She has been singing since she was 12 and achieved early fame. Photo: To Thanh Tan

Singer Hong Hanh, 60, is the daughter of artist Ngoc Cam and musician Nguyen Huu Thiet. She has been singing since she was 12 and achieved early fame. Photo: To Thanh Tan

How are you preparing for a new relationship?

Currently, I'm single and happy, receiving happiness from my family and the relationships around me. I don't think about having a man by my side or dwell on personal romantic matters. I have dear friends, occasionally meet up to chat, and maintain professional relationships with colleagues.

My son just completed his medical program in Europe and is preparing for the next chapter in his career, returning home to be with me, so I'm not lonely. I care about my ex-husband as a longtime friend. We still occasionally email each other to check in. If there's an opportunity, my son and I will visit him in Japan and maintain a good relationship.

Having gone through life's ups and downs, I understand the value of love. If you don't meet the right person, being alone can sometimes be a better choice.

Having experienced a broken marriage, how do you view love and happiness?

Love in middle age is no longer impulsive or sees everything through rose-colored glasses. Many marriages happen hastily, with couples enduring together but without happiness.

For me, two people find love when they become each other's support, empathize, and overlook each other's shortcomings. Both sides must truly have understanding and tolerance to maintain a complete home.

What is your greatest joy right now?

It's seeing my son grow up and have a job he loves. My greatest success is raising a decent and independent son. My son and I share many personal stories, friendships, and relationships. We travel together. He understands my work and helps me manage my online presence and musical activities optimally.

In addition, my daily joys are improving my foreign language skills by studying English and playing instruments like the dan tranh (Vietnamese zither). I'm eager to learn and always want to improve myself. I started as an actress in the Bong Sen Song and Dance Troupe, so I've always been highly disciplined. I maintain a routine of exercise like going to the gym, doing yoga, and cycling.

Hong Hanh with her son. Photo: Provided by the subject

Hong Hanh with her son. Photo: Provided by the subject

What are your career aspirations?

I used to sing every night to earn a living, to supplement my income. After getting married, I entered the business world to have the financial means to support my artistic pursuits. I inherited musical talent from my parents, so I always aspire to contribute. Currently, I'm not actively performing or participating in game shows. I only create projects that I enjoy and share them with like-minded audiences.

In 4/2025, I released an album of classic love songs about the sea, arranged by musician Vo Thien Thanh, which received positive feedback. In the future, I will also select musical projects by theme, investing carefully to retain my loyal audience.

Hong Hanh sings "Hoa vang may do" (Trinh Cong Son). Video: Provided by the subject

In the late 1980s, musician Trinh Cong Son chose Hong Hanh as the main singer for the album Nay em co nho, released by the Ho Chi Minh City Artists Association. This was his first album after Khanh Ly moved to the US in 1975. The song "Hoa vang may do" helped Hong Hanh make her mark, becoming one of Trinh's muses. After she switched to singing other genres, opportunities to collaborate with Trinh Cong Son gradually diminished. The singer got married and had a child in the 1990s, and gradually became less active.

Hong Hanh and businessman Kondo Koji married in 1991 and had a son together in 1992. In 2011, they separated. In 2015, they filed for divorce. Because the singer's ex-husband is a foreigner, difficulties in determining joint and separate property before and during the marriage, and the impact of Covid-19, the process was prolonged until the procedures were finalized in 4/2025.

Hoang Dung