Mai Phuong Thuy: 'My boyfriend encouraged me to return to showbiz'

Mai Phuong Thuy has been absent from showbiz for a while now. Recently, she accepted to be a judge for the Miss Universe Vietnam 2017 contest. On the morning of January 3, 2018, Mai Phuong Thuy was in Nha Trang to judge the Miss Sea sub-contest. Miss Vietnam 2006 had a short conversation.

Miss Mai Phuong Thuy in Nha Trang on the morning of January 3, 2018.

-Why have you been "missing" for so long?

- I have been crowned Miss Vietnam for 12 years. Of those, 7-8 years I was active continuously. By 2014, I felt that was enough, so I took time for myself. That is why I have "dived deep" until now.

-There is information that you have secretly got married, what do you say?

- I'm not married yet, I plan to be in a few years. If I do get married, I won't announce it, I'll always be single in front of the media. I have to apologize for this in advance.

-Can you share a little about your boyfriend?

- I'm happy. My boyfriend is not in showbiz. He was the one who encouraged me to accept the Miss Universe contest. He said: "You've been out for too long, get back to work."

-After a period of absence, your appearance looks a bit different these days. Has your view on beauty changed?

- My point of view is no different from before. I stopped working in showbiz for 3 years, mainly traveling and doing other jobs, so gaining weight is understandable. It proves that my life is happy.

Mai Phuong Thuy is visibly gaining weight. She says she is living a happy life.

-During that time, did you pay much attention to the Vietnamese showbiz situation?

- Of course, I can't keep up like before. Now I see that there are changes that I need to learn. I like new experiences, I don't want to keep what I had before.

-Many people "hide" for a long time, when they return they feel surprised, what about you?

- I don't intend to stand out when I return, my goal is to bring my experiences and knowledge to create new values ​​for the audience.

-You are one of the beauties who is criticized for having an unstable fashion style. Do you have anything to share?

- I like Pham Bang Bang, in real life she dresses randomly but at important events she knows how to make herself stand out. I like it that way, no need to follow any standards.

-As a judge of Miss Universe Vietnam 2017, how will you perform?

- I have been following the contestants closely in the past, but I came here early to meet and talk to them more to get a clearer feeling. The criteria for judging Miss Universe are not too different, but mainly emphasize dynamic beauty and intelligence. Any contestant who stands out and performs excellently can be crowned, it doesn't matter if it's a new or old face. I can't reveal who I'm most impressed with.

-Many audiences are waiting for you to become a coach on reality shows, do you have any plans?

- I really like Korean and Chinese reality shows because they exploit many interesting situations and moments. Vietnamese shows have not been able to do that yet, there are still barriers. I don't like being a coach, maybe in another role.