Known widely for her viral clips on social media, Hoàng Kim Chi has been appearing more on TV, from being a contestant on Chọn Ai Đây to starring as the lead on Người Ấy Là Ai. Recently, she surprised many by entering the Miss Grand Vietnam 2022 pageant, aiming to succeed Miss Thùy Tiên. Among the contestants who passed the preliminary round, Kim Chi stands out as one of the most talked-about beauties.
Hi Hoàng Kim Chi, how has your life changed since appearing on Người Ấy Là Ai? And what’s your current relationship with Thanh Long?
My life is pretty much the same, still good, just with some new challenges. I’m currently single because Thanh Long and I decided to stay friends.
Kim Chi and Thanh Long chose to remain friends after leaving Người Ấy Là Ai season 4
Người Ấy Là Ai stirred controversy with a last-minute twist involving a girlfriend sharing your name, which reportedly hurt you. How did you really feel?
Honestly, I wasn’t hurt at all. I actually felt happy. Happy to witness a beautiful love story, and even more so because the girl shared my name. Two people with the same name, one in love, one watching a beautiful romance unfold, and I felt completely fulfilled.
Most couples don’t end up together after Người Ấy Là Ai. Many think participants join just to boost their fame. What’s your take?
Before joining Người Ấy Là Ai, I was already lucky to have some attention from the community. So I wasn’t there to boost my fame or anything. I simply thought it was a meaningful show about love. Being the lead, hearing the advisors’ funny yet deep insights, and seeing different sides of love made it a memorable experience for me.
Was joining Người Ấy Là Ai part of your plan to gain fame before competing in a beauty pageant?
I’m not someone who plans too far ahead. Of course, I have long-term goals, but joining Người Ấy Là Ai and entering a pageant came as unexpected opportunities. I just thought it would be worth grabbing these chances.
Being called a hot TikToker often sparks debate when you appear on TV or enter pageants. Does that ever get to you?
I think many hot TikTokers are trying hard to prove themselves. Honestly, it would be a lie to say I’m never hurt because no one wants their efforts to be met with doubt or negativity. But that just pushes me to work harder. Hot TikTokers are young people with big dreams, just like anyone else wanting to grow and become better versions of themselves. I want to show that giving your all to chase your dreams and shine is never wrong. Put your heart into it and people will notice your effort!
What motivated you to compete in Miss Grand? Surely it wasn’t just a TikTok challenge from netizens?
That challenge was only a tiny part! Since I was a kid, I loved beauty contests. Later, I realized each pageant is a chance to develop many life skills. I want to try Miss Grand because it motivates me to improve myself, gain confidence, and overcome my own limits.
Are you worried about strong competitors? Who do you see as your biggest rival?
I’m naturally shy, so I do feel a bit insecure entering the contest. But I’m determined to give 200% effort and bring my best self. As for rivals, I don’t really see anyone as competition. I’m new to this field, so everyone else is like a senior I can learn from.
What advantages do you think you have over other candidates? How have you prepared for the pageant?
I don’t have much besides hard work and a positive attitude. Since everything is new to me, I’m basically learning all the skills from scratch. I’m preparing thoroughly, from catwalk and posture to fitness and knowledge.
People say pageants are expensive. Is that a concern for you?
Besides being a content creator, I run my own business. So I’m confident I have a solid financial foundation to join. I see this as an investment in myself, skills, perspective, life experience. And when it’s an investment in yourself, why hold back?
How do you feel when people compare your real look on TV to your TikTok videos?
I guess I feel a bit happy that people are paying attention and curious about Hoàng Kim Chi (laughs).
Is joining a pageant a sign you want to transition from TikToker to a showbiz figure?
Like I said, I already have a solid base as a content creator. The pageant is more about challenging and improving myself than trying to become someone else or achieve a title. I believe I’ll become a better, more complete person after this experience. That’s what matters most.
You once said you felt uncomfortable being secretly filmed. If you enter showbiz, will you have to deal with that a lot more?
That was before. Now I’m more aware that I need to be polished every time I appear. That actually motivates me to always present the best image to everyone.
Some compare you to Lê Bống or Trần Thanh Tâm when you announced your pageant plans. Are you worried about drama or harsh comments?
I think, to succeed, you have to focus on your own path and not get distracted by outside opinions. I’m putting 100% of my attention and effort into this journey, so I’ll try to set aside drama and negativity. Of course, I’ll still listen to sincere feedback because that’s how I can improve and become my best self.
Most pageant contestants want to share a message or story. What’s yours?
I want to bring positive energy and optimism. My story is about a girl who always tries to be better than yesterday, embracing surprises and challenges with a bright spirit. I believe that as long as women and young people stay independent in mind and finances, love themselves, and keep pushing forward, life will become a better place thanks to individuals striving to improve every day.
If you win and have to limit TikTok or change your content, how would you handle that?
The content I create on TikTok is always positive and respectful, so that won’t be a restriction or obstacle for me now or in the future.
Thanks for sharing, Hoàng Kim Chi! Wishing you all the best on your journey!
Photo: NVCC
