HÀ NỘI — Known for his bold, distinctive musical personality, singer Tùng Dương has surprised audiences with a different image in his latest music video, Hàng Vạn Năm Ánh Sáng (Tens of Thousands of Light Years), directed by Ivan Trịnh.

The release marks his first venture into a gentle, heartfelt ballad by young songwriter Hùng Quân. It also sees him take on an acting role for the first time, appearing in romantic scenes alongside 25-year-old actress Chi Phạm, who has starred in Vietnamese blockbuster Tử Chiến Trên Không (Hijacked).

Filmed against the coastal landscape of Đắk Lắk Province, the music video tells a poetic love story filled with tenderness, longing and emotional moments.

Romantic side

Having built his reputation through experimental music and powerful, sometimes unconventional performances, Tùng Dương takes a notably different approach in Hàng Vạn Năm Ánh Sáng.

The ballad, composed by Hùng Quân, offers a fresh musical colour for the singer, often hailed as a leading male vocalist in Vietnamese music.

Rather than showcasing his vocal technique through dramatic climaxes, he opts for a softer, more intimate delivery, allowing the melody and lyrics to unfold naturally.

The song feels like a heartfelt confession about love, longing and emotions that people sometimes struggle to put into words.

Beyond singing, Tùng Dương makes his acting debut in the music video, portraying a lighthouse keeper who falls in love with a young fishing village woman played by Chi Phạm.

Their relationship develops from an initial attraction into a close bond, expressed through simple moments and shared experiences in everyday life.

The role offers audiences a glimpse of a more romantic and sensitive side of the singer, whose public image has long been associated with artistic experimentation and a strong individual identity.

For Tùng Dương, the project represents a new experience in his artistic journey. While he is known for pushing musical boundaries and challenging conventions, the singer also has a tender, romantic side that he does not often get the opportunity to express through his work.

His decision to embrace a sweet love ballad and portray a man in love reflects his openness to exploring new musical directions and bringing fresh experiences to audiences.

According to the singer, Hàng Vạn Năm Ánh Sáng goes beyond a love song about the excitement of falling in love to celebrate the value of life's simple moments. It speaks to audiences across generations, from those experiencing the first stirrings of romance to couples who have shared their lives over many years.

“After all, the greatest gift in love is sometimes not grand promises, but simply having someone special by your side in the most ordinary moments,” he noted.

For Tùng Dương, his soft and nuanced vocal delivery is also a way to express a different emotional dimension. Instead of relying on powerful climaxes, he opts for an intimate and sincere approach, conveying his feelings like a heartfelt tribute to the woman he loves. This gentler expression does not diminish his distinctive artistic identity, but rather reveals another facet of his musical persona.

The music video is released as the 43-year-old singer is making final preparations for Bay Về Phía Mặt Trời (Flying Towards the Sun), the biggest live concert of his career to date.

Scheduled for 7.30pm on December 19 at the National Mỹ Đình Stadium in Hà Nội, the concert will feature guest performers Hòa Minzy, Phùng Khánh Linh and GreyD, alongside songwriter Nguyễn Văn Chung. 

Tùng Dương rose to prominence through the Sao Mai Điểm Hẹn singing competition 2004. He is regarded by music critics as a powerful vocalist with a distinctive musical style. He has released six studio albums, staged 11 live shows and won numerous prestigious awards.

In recent years, he has attracted attention for performing songs celebrating the homeland, including Continuing the Story of Peace and Một Vòng Việt Nam (A Tour of Việt Nam). His song Tái Sinh (Rebirth) also ranked among the 10 most-searched songs of 2025. — VNS