Quang Dung reveals about the ring on his ring finger, at the age of 50 he becomes a grandfather

- What is your childhood in Quy Nhon like?

Quy Nhon in my memory is very small. Every time we made a date to go out, we would walk or cycle about 5 minutes to the beach. We were all poor and didn’t have money to go out for coffee.

When I was young, I was not as carefree as my peers because I became famous early. When I sang at events of the province or organizations, I only interacted with adults, so my personality was somewhat mature.

I have changed little since I was a child, still emotional, gentle, introverted and independent. Perhaps this is related to my childhood living with my grandparents.

My parents had 10 children but were too poor to raise them, so they had to send them to their grandparents and relatives. My world at that time was a small attic, where I could see my grandmother working hard. The two houses were at the beginning and end of the village, but I often felt very far away.

I'm used to doing everything myself, no one to manage my time or remind me to do anything. If I were another child, I would have been very hurt and spoiled.

Sometimes, I felt sad because I had never known what it was like to sleep with my parents; or that my siblings had new clothes and bicycles while I did not. When I grew up, I understood how hard it was for my parents to raise 10 children.

- At 20 years old, a gentle and shy person like you, how can you survive in the temptations of showbiz?

On the contrary, I find it harder for shy people to fall because they don't dare to approach things that are unfamiliar to them. When I was singing in nightclubs, one by one, everyone I knew got involved in gambling, drug use... leading to a life that was not as expected. Because of my naivety, I lost many opportunities to earn money and advance, but in return, I didn't get caught up in temptation.

- Last time you told the story of your suffering from being dependent on sleeping pills for 8 years, how is your health now?

I have reduced the amount of sleeping pills I take each night, although I cannot stop immediately, things are improving. In addition, I also have gout, which leads to cardiovascular disease and blood pressure.

Every time I get too anxious, my blood pressure often rises to 150 - 170 mmHg and is very difficult to lower. I have to practice keeping my mind from thinking too much and stressing. Every day, including bone supplements, I take a handful of pills, about 5-6.

Years of insomnia left my face haggard, sunken, with dark circles under my eyes, lifeless. I wasn't afraid of aging or looking ugly, but I didn't take any photos during that time.

- How does your son care about you?

I did not share my illness with Bao Nam. Before, I felt sad that my son grew up and no longer loved his father, but when he got used to it, I saw that Nam cared for me in a different way.

Bao Nam is now very "grown up", every time he goes out with his father he takes the initiative to take care of everything from choosing the restaurant, booking a table to ordering food. He is like me in personality, silly and shy but much more handsome.(laugh)

He is very close to Jennifer's siblings, texting them every day. I am glad that Jennifer regularly follows up on her son's growth. She knows more about life in America than I do, so Bao Nam always has someone to share and give advice to.

Bao Nam grew up in American culture but his soul is still a Vietnamese boy, he likes to eat rice, braised meat, fish sauce...

When he was little, Bao Nam went back to Vietnam to play. Because he was not used to the tropical climate, he had a fever for several days and was afraid for a long time. For the past three years, every summer he has asked to go back to Vietnam.

To keep my father and son from being separated, I alternate between the US and Vietnam every month. Travel expenses are expensive, and living in two countries also affects my insomnia, but I accept it for a balanced life.

- During a drinking session, you sang "Sometimes I want to be alone but I'm afraid of being lonely" very emotionally, was it because you agreed?

The music of young people today is very interesting, the more you listen to it the more it makes sense. Personally, I am too busy, my life is also full of love from family and friends so I don't feel lonely.

- Loneliness is an instinct, people cannot avoid it. Being lonely because of not having family or friends is different from being lonely because of lack of love, right?

Loneliness was terrible when I was young, but at the age of 50, after going through all the ups and downs, I am much more at peace. In life, I also have a few moments when I feel what you said, but I just face it normally and easily let it go. If I find my own happiness, I will not hide it like I shared 3 years ago.

- So may I ask what the ring on your ring finger means?

Absolutely not!(laugh)I've worn it for years out of habit and it just so happens to fit my ring finger.

- What role do your mother and siblings play in your life?

In the past, I earned money to support my two younger sisters' education.(Quang Dung is the 8th child of 10 siblings - PV), take care of my brothers and sisters. When they came to Saigon, I rented a house to live with them.

Every night I performed 8 shows from weddings, tea rooms to dance halls for 5-7 years and then bought a house on installments.

My brothers and I lived in an apartment on the 5th floor of a building without an elevator. At that time, my family said they didn't think I could stay in Saigon, they thought I would be back after 10 days.

Up to now, 4 of them have passed away or are no longer in Vietnam. I invited my extended family to live with me in Ho Chi Minh City. At the age of nearly 50, I still rarely eat out or come home late because I am afraid my mother will be waiting.

I perform a lot at home and abroad, so I spend most of my remaining time at home with my family, resting, recharging my energy, and preparing my own performance costumes.

I don't have many hobbies. When I have free time, I take my family on trips or hang out with friends. As I get older, I get drunk faster than before.

Eight grandchildren(I call you uncle - PV)One by one, they got married, moved out, and had children. So I became the grandfather of five grandchildren.(I call him uncle, grandpa, grandpa - PV), the oldest is 11 years old. Every time there is a party, the house gathers 40-50 people, very crowded.

My nieces and I are as close as friends. My nieces rarely hide anything from me, from their love affairs to asking their uncles/aunts out for a drink when they are heartbroken.

I don't earn a lot of money but I'm very proud to have a stable economy and accumulate assets after many years of hard work singing. I don't raise the issue because I'm afraid Bao Nam will rely on me but I'm sure my son will be fine and won't be in need whether I'm alive or dead.

The presence of family, friends, and soulmates gives me happiness and confidence - things that money cannot buy. Now I just wish for good health, a peaceful family, and successful children.