Ha Viet Dung (born in 1987) is of Muong ethnicity, originally from Hoa Binh (now part of Phu Tho) province. He began his career as a model and won the Bronze award at Vietnam Supermodel 2011.
For audiences who enjoy VTV’s “golden hour” dramas, Ha Viet Dung is a familiar face. He is known as a versatile actor, prominent for his gritty roles in crime and political dramas, such as Captain Hai Trieu in Storm Undercurrents, or roles in Solitary Path and The Borderless War, along with many other works such as: Are You A Man, Sir?, The Journey of Justice, The Dividing Line, etc.
He is currently gaining attention and affection for his role as Vien, the “foul-mouthed CEO,” in the film 1 Millimeter Away From You, directed by Tran Trong Khoi and Pham Gia Phuong.
The actor admitted that this is his first time playing a “single diamond CEO” type of character. Upon receiving positive feedback from the audience about Vien’s character, he was very happy and gained more motivation to dedicate himself to the role.
Ha Viet Dung at U40.
“I’m much funnier and wittier than Vien”
Many people believe that Ha Viet Dung is not only a “CEO” on screen but also a “CEO” in real life, as he owns a homestay and is very successful in business?
– (Laughs) In real life, I wouldn’t dare to call myself a “CEO.” The glamorous image, stepping out of a luxury car into the office, splendid like the character Vien in 1 Millimeter Away From You, is completely unlike me.
Actually, my wife and I just started the homestay on the land left by my grandparents. Everything is progressing step by step; we’re trying to develop it every day.
As for business, I’ve also chosen my own direction, not mass-market, but rather building a brand with a personal touch, linked to products from the Northwest region.
Real life is very different from movies. It might look easy on the outside, but everyone is working hard. I have so many responsibilities: from my elderly parents to my young children. People only see the results but few know the process behind it.
What about your personality? Does Ha Viet Dung share many similarities with Vien in the film?
– In real life, I’m much funnier and wittier than Mr. Vien; people who watch my clips on social media already know that.
I constantly create content, partly to sell products, and partly to build a more approachable image with the audience.
I think this generation of actors is fortunate to have many ways to reach audiences, both to reinvent themselves and maintain connection.
The actor is currently receiving significant attention and affection from a large audience for his role as “CEO” Vien in the film “1 Millimeter Away From You.”
Audiences often jokingly say that Ha Viet Dung “was born to be a comedian but directors made him act in crime dramas.” What do you think about this comment, and are you willing to try a comedic role in the future?
– Hearing that, I feel excited. If invited, I’d readily accept. In the past, I’ve tried characters that were a bit “on the verge” of comedy and felt very comfortable and enjoyed it.
After taking on many intense, serious roles, I hope directors will give me the opportunity to try a genuinely comedic role in the future; who knows, audiences might love it (laughs).
You are quite active on TikTok and Facebook, with every video attracting many views. Have you earned a lot of money from social media yet?
– To be honest, not much yet (laughs). But occasionally, I get advertisements, and life is becoming more stable.
Previously, I had to rely on film fees or acting wages. Now, I use TikTok to promote and sell my products, such as fish floss, buffalo meat, and beef.
The important thing is that these platforms help me introduce the scenery and environment where I live, and also boost tourism in Mai Chau.
Many people watch my videos and ask, “Where is it so beautiful?”, and I say, “That’s my hometown, Mai Chau!”
My family has food and accommodation services, so it’s easy to connect with guests. This is how I reach a wider audience, introducing cuisine, culture, and promoting landscapes all at once.
Ha Viet Dung in a conversation with a Dân trí reporter. Off-screen, the actor is open and humorous.
Your clips “Wedding MC” and “talking to chickens, geese, ducks” are very popular and attract public attention. Did Ha Viet Dung come up with those ideas himself or did you have a team to support you?
– All the content is my own idea; I shoot it myself. Many days, without any support, I even set up the camera and act alone.
The “Wedding MC” trick is probably something I inherited from my parents, as they are very good at poetry and were often tasked with composing poems for village events.
The content I create doesn’t follow a fixed format; it’s quite “chaotic.” Sometimes, while cooking, a good idea suddenly pops into my head, and I call my younger brother: “Can you film me for 5 minutes?”, and then a clip is born.
I do it for fun, without overthinking anything.
Many artists maintain an image, but you freely express your simplicity and humor, showing a difference between Ha Viet Dung on screen and in real life. Have you ever felt pressured to maintain an image or feared that your real-life persona would differ too much from what audiences imagine?
– I simply express my true nature, as my life is. Trying to hide or pretend would only create more pressure and fatigue.
I live in the countryside, with a rustic personality, so I can’t act differently. Therefore, freely expressing what I think in the simplest way makes me feel comfortable.
Of course, I always maintain moderation, avoiding overly exaggerated, offensive, or toxic content. The important thing is to be genuine and approachable. I combine images of my hometown, my products for sale, and entertainment elements for everyone.
I just want the audience to see a normal Ha Viet Dung, living a simple, joyful life, treating everyone equally, loving his homeland, and doing honest work.
Acting is just a job, as long as I don’t do anything bad, that’s enough.
Can Ha Viet Dung be called a tycoon now?
– (Laughs) I wouldn’t dare to claim to be a tycoon. Now, just being able to put my parents’ minds at ease is the happiest thing. To me, that’s true wealth.
> I just want the audience to see a normal Ha Viet Dung, living a simple, joyful life, treating everyone equally, loving his homeland, and doing honest work.”
Actor Ha Viet Dung
Off-screen, ready to cook, serve guests
You’ve acted in many films with beautiful female co-stars, but rarely have intense kissing or passionate romantic scenes. Is it because you have personal principles when acting, or are you afraid of your wife getting jealous?
– I don’t have any principles. In fact, when I was younger, before getting married, I was even dubbed the “king of intimate scenes” because I acted in many theatrical films with sensitive scenes.
But now, being in my U40s and a family man, there are no more intimate or overly sweet romantic scenes. In reality, married people don’t have overly sentimental love affairs.
Unless the character needs to flatter, deceive their wife, or is an antagonist, then there might be passionate intimate scenes. But now, I mainly play roles with grown children, so directors also have to moderate it; if included, it would become “over the top” and unreasonable.
Therefore, I don’t need to limit myself. My wife also respects and understands my work, so when I play such roles, she doesn’t get jealous or have any issues.
Ha Viet Dung with his beautiful wife.
How do you ensure your wife always feels secure and becomes a strong support system while you’re constantly filming?
– I’ve never seen my wife get jealous while I’m filming. Trust in a marriage must be built over time. My wife trusts me, so whether I go out to eat or drink with anyone, she remains at ease.
I don’t need to try harder to gain her trust, because if I had to try, it would mean there’s a problem.
Your wife supports you from the background, taking care of the children and managing the business so you can focus on your acting career. What can you share about your wife?
– My wife is a thoughtful, meticulous, rational, and decisive person. She always supports my projects. I consult my wife on all important matters that require calculation.
She single-handedly takes care of everything, raises our children, and manages the business so I can focus on my passion.
Ha Viet Dung always expresses praise, respect, and love for his wife.
When marital life isn’t smooth sailing, how do you and your wife reconcile and overcome it?
– There have been a few arguments and disagreements, of course. Sometimes we don’t even talk directly, but a few messages asking how the other is doing bring everything back to normal.
Our principle for keeping the family flame alive is not to let things go too far. We must maintain a stance: absolutely no using disrespectful terms like “you-me” (referring to a casual, sometimes confrontational way of addressing each other in Vietnamese) and no physical altercations.
If those two boundaries are crossed, it’s almost impossible to save. Even when furious, we must still address each other as husband and wife.
Which personality trait of your wife do you love and value the most?
– What I like most about her is her frankness and directness. She has a strong personality; she says what she means and means what she says. Thanks to that, our conversations aren’t roundabout, making life easier.
Sometimes it’s difficult to live with a wife when you don’t know what she wants.
Off-screen, Ha Viet Dung states he is a family man, always ready to share household chores with his wife and relatives.
Behind the screen, what kind of husband and father is Hà Việt Dũng?
– I do everything; I’m not afraid of any work. When the restaurant has guests, I’m still ready to cook, serve, and clean up.
When my wife is busy, I help her bathe the children, play with them, feed them, and help them study. I am a family man, so I always try to assist and share responsibilities with my wife and relatives.
At home, do you ever get “foul-mouthed” or yell at your children?
– If I yell, my voice cracks, so yelling at my children now sounds even funnier. I can’t yell at them.
When you become a father, you naturally recognize your responsibilities and try harder. My wife is very good at taking care of the children. We both try every day to raise our children and give them the best possible things. My wife and children’s health is what I wish for most.
Thank you, Mr. Ha Viet Dung, for your sharing!
Photos: Nguyen Ha Nam
