Model Quynh Thu says resisting the temptations of fame isn’t easy, but it’s necessary

A young Vietnamese model says the catwalk is no cakewalk but that fame’s decadent and dangerous temptations provide opportunities for growth.

“With my modeling career, I can support myself and am completely independent,” says the 19-year-old.

“But my parents are always there by my side to offer advice and help me avoid the temptation and depravity of the entertainment world. This is my best defense against temptations.”

With so many young Vietnamese stars falling victim to a world of fast money, arrogance and tawdry romance, Thu says it takes courage to sidestep the burning spotlight and avoid the ego-driven indulgence in superfluousness and drugs that has ruined reputations and careers.

“I’m not afraid of lust and the traps of fame as I believe in myself. Temptations can help you become more mature. But whether you’re able to resist the temptations is a different story as nobody’s a saint. Wealth must come from hard work that we can take great pride in,” Thu says.

She said she learned about temptation early on. As a young 17-year-old just starting out in the fashion industry two years ago, Thu rejected a rich man’s offer for “everything she wants” in return for her love.

Thu knows all too well how unkind a career in modeling can be, with scandal, self-indulgence and jealously lurking around every corner.

“Modeling is a harsh and complicated profession, characterized by fierce rivalry and envy, but I see it as a chance to challenge and assert myself,” the young model said.

“People tend to look down on modeling, which is in fact no different from other professions. We shouldn’t judge a person by their job. There are many corrupt people working in noble professions,” said Thu.

“We should grasp every opportunity in this fleeting profession. I don’t believe in the saying “hong nhan bac phan” (the beautiful have drawn an unfortunate hand). Whether a beautiful woman lives happily or not depends on how she lives and learns.”

Past, present and future

Thu entered the fashion world in 2007 when one of her friends casually asked her to join the Hoa Huong Duong (Sunflower) modeling club.

The idea was met with strong objections from her family, but she decided to join the club secretly out of curiosity.

She was invited to perform in a show after only one week of training.

She said she encountered considerable difficulties early on, particularly in persuading her family to allow her to enter the modeling world.

To sooth her parents’ worries, she’s also studying to become an airline hostess as well.

And thanks to her resolve, she won Most Impressive Performance Style at a pageant in the southern province of Binh Duong that year and took the Audience Choice award at the Giai thuong nguoi mau (Model Awards) in 2008.

“The awards have bolstered my confidence, nourished my passion and strengthened my resolve to pursue modeling professionally,” she says.

Thu is now a freelance model and works on a regular basis with the country’s biggest modeling agencies including Venus, PL, and Lala.

Like most popular Vietnamese models, Thu has moved into the television industry by starring in several TV series.

The versatile beauty hopes to achieve more success as an actress because she says her height, 1.69 meters, simply won’t take her far enough on the catwalk.

She also said she wanted to try her hand at singing one day, but wants to wait until she has the time to do it right. Though many models make the leap from photo shoots to film shoots to recording studios in one fell swoop, Thu says singing isn’t just a fad, but a profession, and should be treated that way.

“I’m blessed with good looks and a pleasant singing voice, but it takes much more to become a professional singer. You need other skills and abilities, choreographed dances, a rigorous practicing schedule, plus a bit of luck!”

Reported by Do Tuan