Cat Phuong: ‘I bless Kieu Minh Tuan and the newcomer’

On the evening of May 15, at the 52nd birthday party in Ho Chi Minh City, the artist Cat Phuong Revealed about breaking up with actors for the first time Kieu Minh Tuan, 34 years old. The two ended their relationship on Valentine’s Day (February 14), 2021. Cat Phuong talked about the reason for the breakup, choosing to “stop being friends” with her ex.

– Why did you announce the breakup after more than a year?

– Actually, I used to want to speak early so that friends, colleagues and the audience can fully understand and empathize with both. However, in the past time, Tuan has many plans to release a movie. I am afraid if the story is revealed, Tuan’s work and the producer’s side will be affected.

Like at the launch of a game show at the end of last year, Tuan and I went to a joint event, but each person had a corner. After that, many rumors arose that Tuan and I broke up. The organizer of the contest asked, I was forced to ask an acquaintance to clarify that we were fine, to avoid implicating the image of the program. Earlier this year, I also wanted to speak up, but I hit the time of the movie premiere of Tuan and many close colleagues. Now, when I am out of trouble, I want to say it to ease my mind and move on, both me and Tuan are no longer known as “tricks”.

Cat Phuong confirmed her farewell to Kieu Minh Tuan at the birthday party on the evening of May 15, Ho Chi Minh City

– Under what circumstances did the two break up?

– I remember Valentine’s day, Tuan sat down in front of me and asked us to stop. After feeling frustrated and uncertain, I asked why and was told that the two were “no longer compatible”. At first, I thought that Tuan must have had another reason, because after 12 years of working with and overcoming many ups and downs, the two words “not suitable” sounded quite easy. I respect Tuan’s decision. One wanted to let go, the other had no reason to hold on. We haven’t registered our marriage, so when it’s over, it’s not that complicated.

– What do you think is the cause of the breakdown?

– Probably from both. The relationship began to crack since Tuan revealed it in the media incurred love for movie co-stars Uncle, don’t marry my mother (2018). After that time, although we were still attached, things were not the same as before. I want to heal but don’t know where to start. At that time, Tuan’s reputation was also severely affected, and many shows were damaged. I did not have to turn my back, so I chose to continue to be by his side, rebuilding everything together.

As for me, I also feel guilty. For a long time, I neglected, did not care about him. I lacked questions, for example: are you tired of filming, what do you want to eat… We have also many times planned to register for marriage, get married, and have artificial insemination to have children. Everything seemed to be done, for many reasons, it failed. Come to think of it, maybe my fate and Tuan just went there.

– How did you overcome the sadness of the breakup?

– At first, the feeling of loneliness and emptiness is difficult to avoid. I often sit alone in the corner of the house, with all the lights off. When the street light shines through the door and onto the wall, I often use my hands to play shadow puppets. I don’t know if I was depressed at the time, but it was a way to make me feel more comfortable.

I think when I love with all my heart, but break up is also decisive. I often sit in front of the mirror, telling my heart that no matter how painful it is, I must overcome it in two months. I rushed to work to forget the sadness, and gradually did.

– Who was your spiritual support at that time?

– Besides my son – baby Bom, I have no one to share. At first, she didn’t know the story between me and Tuan. Once, Bom saw that I kept writhing in a corner, so he asked. I wiped my tears, saying I was contemplating a script. The baby shook his head and said, “You lied to me”. Knowing that I could not hide a young child, I had to tell him. She also dimly recognized it first because Tuan hadn’t seen him at home for a long time. I encourage: “Well, don’t be sad, Uncle Tuan must have his own reasons”.

Like me, Bom took a while to accept because to his children, Tuan is like a second father. Tuan knew me when Bom was 4-5 years old, how many times had he bathed, combed, and stroked her hair. After parting, Tuan still cares about Bom, last New Year also bought her an iPad. A few days ago, he texted me asking if he wanted to change the tablet.

Cat Phuong tells about the relationship between a son and Kieu Minh Tuan

– How do you keep your relationship with Kieu Minh Tuan?

– We are good friends now. I have been working as Tuan’s manager for nearly a year, until the end of the role at the beginning of this year. I met anything, Tuan also asked. Late last year, I was hospitalized because of a vestibular disorder. Tuan texted to ask if he wanted to eat or drink so he could visit. I was touched but refused because at that time the epidemic was still complicated, I had to have a PCR test to go to the hospital. Another time, I complained about the broken key that couldn’t be fixed. The next day, Tuan stopped by the house and brought it to repair.

Our relationship is much more comfortable now than it has been in years. In the end, we didn’t fight or argue, so now we respect each other. When Tuan has a new person, I still send congratulatory messages. Even if Tuan invited me to the wedding, I would still be willing. If there is any regret, it is just that the two names Cat Phuong – Kieu Minh Tuan are no longer parallel in art.

– What difficulties do you face when you are no longer performing a lot?

– It is true that while managing Kieu Minh Tuan, my income is mainly from his projects. After the breakup, I had a lot of trouble with money. I switched to the business of coffee shops and cosmetics. Recently, I put up for sale the apartment we both used to live together, to get capital for business. Before that, the house was borrowed by me to buy. Later, when I moved in, Tuan helped me pay a part of it to the bank. I plan to send back the money you helped after the sale.

I also get help from many colleagues. One of the people I am indebted to is Viet Huong. Opening the shop right at the time of the epidemic last year, I had to borrow enough places. When I asked for help, Viet Huong just asked the reason and then transferred the account, even though she and I were not too close. I don’t worry much about raising children because my ex-husband supports me. Baby Bom lacks anything, just tell Mr. Thai Hoa.

– What do you think about love at the age of 52?

I still want to be loved. Although I have been through two broken times, I realized that I am not the type of person who carries the mentality of “birds are afraid of bent branches”. I always look forward to a home. At this age, it’s no longer important to marry me, as long as that person’s love for me is big enough.

Mai Nhat