MV "Sad Christmas Carol" - MC Quynh Giang, Truong Minh Cuong. Video: Provided by artist

Actor Truong Minh Cuong and singer Quynh Giang have released a music video for their duet "Sad Christmas Carol", a classic song by musician Nguyen Vu. This marks their first collaboration on the popular track. The artists hope to create a fresh take on a song beloved by many generations.

Singer Quynh Giang, who is currently focusing on her singing career with bolero and sentimental folk music, initiated the collaboration. Over the past year, she has returned to Vietnam multiple times from the US to record and film music projects. After hearing Truong Minh Cuong sing, she was impressed by his warm, deep voice and proposed a partnership for the song.

Quynh Giang noted that "Sad Christmas Carol" evokes nostalgia and sentimentality, resonating with many music lovers across generations. While veteran singers like Thai Chau and Elvis Phuong have successfully performed solo versions, she aimed to bring a new dimension with a duet. Truong Minh Cuong, who also loves the song, readily agreed to record the music video.

Truong Minh Cuong expressed initial apprehension about his vocal performance in the music video, acknowledging his limited experience with lyrical interpretation. He studied the original song, immersing himself in its emotions before performing it in his own style. "Fortunately, Quynh Giang and I harmonized more smoothly than expected," Truong Minh Cuong shared.

In the music video, the two artists portray a couple, conveying their dialogue through the song's melody. Truong Minh Cuong faced a challenge during filming, as his leg had not yet recovered from a serious pickleball injury. The actor revealed he had to use crutches and endure pain to record and film with his colleague. He found comfort in Quynh Giang handling all production stages.

The duo plans to release more music if their current project receives a positive reception from the public. They are also developing a shared YouTube channel, where they intend to post videos discussing various life topics.

Actor Truong Minh Cuong (left) and singer Quynh Giang. Photo: Provided by artist

Quynh Giang, originally from Ho Chi Minh City, pursued singing from a young age, participating in numerous music programs at the city's Children's House. She belongs to the same generation of singers as famous voices like Tam ca Ao Trang, Nhu Quynh, Minh Tuyet, Mong Thi, Ngoc Linh, and Hien Thuc. She won fourth prize at the 1998 Television Singing Contest, a year that also featured Dam Vinh Hung, Nhat Thien Bao (from the group 1088), Quoc Dai, and Hanh Nguyen. Following this, Quynh Giang joined Ho Chi Minh City Television, working as an announcer and film narrator. She also hosted cultural programs such as "Music Bridge", "Television Singing Contest", "Melody of Love", and "Dream Story". Quynh Giang and her family relocated to the US in 2021.

In the early 2000s, Truong Minh Cuong gained prominence through various television dramas like "Gio Nghich Mua" and "Loi Re", earning him the nickname "Vietnam's Jang Dong Gun". In 2009, he married a businesswoman, moved his family abroad, and paused his artistic activities. Earlier this year, the actor returned to Vietnam, balancing business ventures with acting.

Hoang Dung