In mid-october, Phung Ngoc reunited with Hung Thuan, who played young An in "Dat Phuong Nam", in TP HCM. The two actors went to karaoke, performing a duet of "Giot Nuoc Mat Chay Nguoc" (composed by Minh Khang), a hit associated with the band MBK, which Hung Thuan was part of in the 2000s. Many viewers were moved to see their friendship endure after nearly 30 years since starring together in the classic television series.
"Co" Phung Ngoc and "young An" Hung Thuan perform a duet of "Giot Nuoc Mat Chay Nguoc". Video: Provided by character
Phung Ngoc shared that his life has gradually stabilized after a period of wandering. Since early this year, he has been working for a restaurant in Go Vap ward, responsible for livestreaming, promoting its image, and interacting with viewers. Occasionally, the actor delivers food to customers' homes.
Phung Ngoc finds joy when many people visit the restaurant, recognize him as "thang Co", shake his hand, and ask for photos. Seeing customers comment on his changed appearance, he laughs, admitting he has gained weight compared to before. He is grateful for the opportunity to have a job and enjoy three square meals a day. Some acquaintances, who happened to watch his livestreams, came to support him or help promote his work, such as actor Hung Thuan.
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Phung Ngoc (right) and Hung Thuan have maintained their friendship for nearly 30 years since "Dat Phuong Nam". Photo: Provided by character |
Phung Ngoc (right) and Hung Thuan have maintained their friendship for nearly 30 years since "Dat Phuong Nam". Photo: Provided by character
His busy work helps the actor forget the sorrow of romantic setbacks. In 7/2025, Phung Ngoc revealed that he and his wife divorced because they "could not find common ground". During that period, he spent many sleepless nights facing the four walls of his rented room. When exhausted, he often drove around to clear his head. Gradually, the actor motivated himself to overcome the hardship and become a happier person.
Phung Ngoc currently lives alone in a rented room on the outskirts of TP HCM. In the 20 m2 space, he dedicates a corner to his mother's photo, alongside a motorbike gifted by actress Phan Nhu Thao on the show "Go Cua Tham Nha" in 2023. The actor cherishes the motorbike as a keepsake, keeping it indoors and reluctant to ride it. For daily commuting, he bought an additional old motorcycle. He spends frugally, often eating simple, affordable meals, and limiting unnecessary expenses.
In 2023, when Phung Ngoc reappeared at the premiere of the film "Dat Rung Phuong Nam", many viewers thought he wanted to return to the screen. However, the actor remains self-conscious about his appearance and physique, believing he has little chance. Furthermore, he left the film industry long ago and no longer maintains many connections with directors or producers. "What I value most is still receiving the audience's affection," he said.
Phung Ngoc, originally from Binh Duong (former province), became famous for his role as Co in director Nguyen Vinh Son's "Dat Phuong Nam" (1997). In the film, Co is the best friend of young An (played by Hung Thuan), sharing the fate of being orphaned by his mother. Co experienced life early, was intelligent, skilled with a slingshot, and accompanied An on his journey to find his father.
After his debut role, Phung Ngoc gained fame and was considered one of the promising child actors of 1990s television. He later participated in "Chu Be Rac Roi" (1998), a film adaptation of Nguyen Nhat Anh's story, but it was not successful.
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Phung Ngoc in 2025, attending Hung Thuan's wedding, and as a child, playing "thang Co". Photo: Tran Quynh/TFS |
Phung Ngoc in 2025, attending Hung Thuan's wedding, and as a child, playing "thang Co". Photo: Tran Quynh/TFS
The actor gradually withdrew, feeling he had lost his connection to the craft and was no longer suited for art. Phung Ngoc once lived a nomadic life across many provinces, taking on jobs such as a rubber garden caretaker, motorbike taxi driver, barber, and street clothes vendor. In late 2023, after being gifted a motorbike by a television show's crew, Phung Ngoc left his rented room in Binh Duong and moved to Tay Nguyen to start a business. There, he livestreamed sales of specialties from Gia Lai and Dak Lak, such as dried beef and cereals. In 5/2024, he married for the second time to a girlfriend 10 years his junior, but they separated after about one year.
The television series "Dat Phuong Nam" premiered in 1997, consisting of 11 episodes. It tells the story of young An, orphaned by his mother, who wanders in search of his father. As he drifts through the southern region, An encounters suffering lives under the oppression of landlords and colonialists. Despite the hardships, An always lives under the care and protection of loved ones, a source of motivation that helps him overcome adversity.
Phung Ngoc (0:48) in Vo Tong's crocodile hunt scene in "Dat Phuong Nam". Video: TFS
After its broadcast, the work became a sensation, becoming one of the classic television series of the 1990s. Characters like young An, thang Co, Mr. Ba the snake catcher (Manh Dung), Uncle Ba Phi (Mac Can), and Vo Tong (Le Quang) captivated generations of viewers. In 2023, director Quang Dung created a film adaptation, starring Tran Thanh, Mai Tai Phen, Tien Luat, and young Hao Khang, which grossed 140 billion VND.
Tam Ky
