Following his opening performance in "Anh trai vuot ngan chong gai 2026" (Brothers Who Overcome Thorns) in early July, Trinh Thang Binh entered the top 3 most searched names on social media. This data comes from Socialite, an online data research company in TP HCM. During this period, the singer spoke about his comeback and the challenging time he faced in his profession.

Asked about his two-year absence from the music scene, Trinh Thang Binh explained, "In 2023, I was too ambitious with work. My body became debilitated, leading to prolonged insomnia, migraines, and facial nerve paralysis. Forcing myself to perform before fully recovering caused my voice to deteriorate, and my pronunciation became unclear, disappointing the public. Each time I went online, I faced a barrage of criticism regarding my professional skills."

He continued, "A string of unfortunate events in both my work and personal life left me unable to create anything. Previously, my spirit was nourished by the joy of being on stage and the energy from my audience's affection. As that spotlight faded, I felt a loss of vital energy. I realized it was time to stop, rest, and recover."

Trinh Thang Binh during an interview at his private company on 30/6 in TP HCM. *Photo: Provided by subject*

When asked how he overcame this difficult period, Trinh Thang Binh reflected, "While secluded at home, I realized that from childhood, all my coffee dates and meetings were tied to work. My life before then was a monotonous routine. Only when everything was forced to stop did I learn to live for myself."

He began seeking simple joys: walking in the park, sitting at a cafe watching the river in the afternoon, practicing meditation, and therapy with singing bowls. Concurrently, he dedicated time to deepen his knowledge of sound engineering and music production. "It was a true journey of 'self-cultivation' that helped me heal my soul and upgrade my professional expertise," he stated.

Trinh Thang Binh also highlighted the unwavering support from his family and friends. "I am fortunate to always have strong pillars of support. When I announced I was pausing my activities, my staff continued to visit regularly. Although I actively advised everyone to find new jobs, they all refused and chose to wait for the company to reopen. This loyalty reminded me to live more responsibly."

Regarding his family and friends, he shared, "They supported me with words of encouragement and simple daily activities. Endless chats, or simply inviting each other to watch a film together on Netflix, pulled me out of those dark days. This period of crisis, unexpectedly, became a gift, helping me recognize genuine affection and true confidantes in my life. I cherish and am grateful for every moment spent with them."

Trinh Thang Binh's performance of "Nguoi ay" in the opening round of "Anh trai vuot ngan chong gai 2026". *Video: Provided by organizers*

Trinh Thang Binh acknowledged the need for personal change. "My complacency about health cost me dearly, leading to professional mistakes. Now, I am redefining my lifestyle to be more calm and self-aware. My previously unsuccessful products stemmed from my own arrogance. Rising independently amidst doubt and dismissal, the success I achieved inadvertently fostered a sense of self-satisfaction. I now understand that such a personality trait is not good."

He admitted, "I once lived miserably because I set excessively high goals, only to find no joy even upon reaching them. Currently, I understand that happiness is found in the simple things each day. Learning to lower my expectations and accept reality is when I truly freed my soul. I am naturally sensitive, easily saddened by unfavorable events. Now, I no longer allow myself to be drawn into that negative spiral. I calmly accept all challenges as inevitable and seek lessons from them."

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Trinh Thang Binh backstage at "Anh trai vuot ngan chong gai" show. *Photo: Provided by organizers*

On his comeback with "Anh trai vuot ngan chong gai 2026", Trinh Thang Binh shared his vision for his music. "Participating in the show is also my way of integrating into the new flow. The Vietnamese music market has changed significantly, with concerts now attracting 20,000-30,000 spectators, and global stars like Blackpink and Westlife choosing Vietnam as a stop. The explosion of reality shows is reshaping the landscape of our country's entertainment industry. As a professional, I am proud to witness this development; it also motivates me not to give up."

"Many people tell me I need to change my mindset and follow youth trends," he stated. "But I have a different perspective: music has no old or new boundaries, only good or bad. If a product is high quality and distinctive, it will have lasting vitality. In fact, songs I wrote 10-18 years ago, such as 'Loi chua noi', 'Nguoi ay', and 'Vo tan', are still embraced by young audiences when given new arrangements."

Trinh Thang Binh playing piano in his recording studio. *Video: Hoang Dung*

Trinh Thang Binh, originally from TP HCM, is a singer, songwriter, and music producer. In 2012, he gained widespread recognition with the release of his album *Summer Love*, which featured several hit songs. In 1/2022, he held a liveshow in TP HCM to commemorate his 10-year singing career. He has also acted in films such as *Ong ngoai tuoi 30* (Grandfather at 30) and *Nhan duyen* (Destiny).

Hoang Dung