Mr. Ly Xuong Can: "Although I was born in Korea, my heart always turns to Vietnam"

During his three consecutive terms as Vietnam Tourism Ambassador to Korea, Mr. Ly Xuong Can - the 31st generation descendant of King Ly Thai To - has not only been a cultural bridge but also tirelessly told the story of Vietnam with his heart and memories. His trips have brought the image of the S-shaped country closer to Korean friends, while bringing the quintessence of the land of kimchi to the Vietnamese people.

Joining in the exciting atmosphere of the activities celebrating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day September 2, Mr. Ly Xuong Can shared with Thoi Dai magazine about his journey with Vietnam, his new emotions and plans.

It is known that in mid - August 2025, you had the opportunity to attend the reception of General Secretary To Lam and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation in Korea. Could you please share these memories?

- On the afternoon of August 10 in Seoul (South Korea), within the framework of the State visit, General Secretary To Lam and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation met with Korean friends. The program was organized by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations in coordination with the Vietnamese Embassy in South Korea. I and some members of the Ly Hoa Son family were honored to participate.

I was very moved when hearing the General Secretary assess that the relationship between the two countries is developing brilliantly, the comprehensive strategic partnership has been raised from the foundation of historical sentiment. I believe that the visit will further promote mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries, turning the two countries into sustainable comprehensive partners. This is even more meaningful when the Vietnamese people are celebrating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2.

On August 10, in Seoul, South Korea, Mr. Ly Xuong Can (front row, second from left) had the honor of attending the meeting between General Secretary To Lam and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation with Korean friends. (Photo: NVCC)

Being immersed in the atmosphere of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day September 2, as a Vietnamese citizen, what would you like to share?

- Since implementing Doi Moi in 1986, Vietnam has demonstrated its potential for sustainable development with many achievements. In 1995, during his visit to Korea, the late General Secretary Do Muoi believed that Vietnam would develop as quickly as Korea. To date, that has gradually come true, Vietnam is growing strongly. On July 1, 2025, Vietnam officially put into operation a two-level local government apparatus. General Secretary To Lam was the first State guest to visit Korea after President Lee Jae-myung took office on June 4, 2025. The Korean President praised Vietnam as a great country. The General Secretary's visit created great excitement and interest from the Korean media.

I believe that with the achievements over the past 80 years and strategic innovations in administrative reform, Vietnam will enter a new era, bringing a prosperous and happy life to the people, while creating the driving force to rise to become a global power.

Mr. Ly Xuong Can presented the late General Secretary Do Muoi with a banner. (Photo: NVCC)

Mr. Ly Xuong Can is the 31st generation descendant of King Ly Thai To and the 26th generation descendant of Prince Ly Long Tuong. In the 12th century, during the Ly - Tran transition, Prince Ly Long Tuong wandered to Goryeo (present-day North Korea and South Korea) and contributed to the war to protect the country of Goryeo against the Mongols. Prince Ly Long Tuong created a Ly family with a rich tradition in Korea. After nearly 800 years, in 1994, Mr. Ly Xuong Can fulfilled his ancestors' last wish to return to his homeland of Vietnam and apply for Vietnamese citizenship. Currently, as the third term Vietnamese Tourism Ambassador to Korea, Mr. Ly Xuong Can always strives to connect culture and tourism between Vietnam and Korea.

Since your first return to Vietnam more than 30 years ago, what has left the biggest impression on you when compared to Vietnam today ?

- When I first returned to Vietnam in 1994, my impression of Hanoi was strange. But as I got closer, I realized that the people were cheerful and always had friendly smiles. The dynamism and confidence of young people brought confidence in a bright future. In many cities, modern buildings have changed the appearance of the streets, making them more crowded with cars, motorbikes and even electric cars. Now, even without using cash, tourists can still easily pay for food and shopping - a huge change compared to 30 years ago.

If you had to choose an image to describe the changes in Vietnam, what would it be , sir ?

- The change and development of Vietnam can be likened to a young man growing up, healthy and strong.

Meeting between General Vo Nguyen Giap and Mr. Ly Xuong Can in 2000 (Photo: NVCC).

Up to now, it has been your third consecutive term as Vietnam Tourism Ambassador in Korea. What motivates you to continue with this role ?

- I was first appointed as Vietnam Tourism Ambassador to Korea in 2017, then continued to serve another consecutive term. In 2024, I was reappointed for a third term (2024–2029). In this role, I always strive to encourage and support the development of tourism between Vietnam and Korea. Although I was born in Korea, my heart has always been with Vietnam - that is the biggest motivation. I hope this passion will last forever, even after my term ends. During the past time, every time Vietnamese leaders visited Korea, I proposed the establishment of a Vietnam Culture and Tourism Center in Korea to attract and retain more tourists. I really hope to see this result soon.

Many tourism promotion activities between Vietnam and Korea were implemented by Mr. Ly Xuong Can (Photo: NVCC).

In your role as Vietnam Tourism Ambassador in Korea, what new things do you expect to see in the next 5 years?

- I expect there will be many innovations in the tourism sector in the next 5 years. With growth potential in many key areas, Vietnam will strongly promote smart tourism based on advanced technology and digital payments. In particular, the international QR payment system and the diversification of domestic and foreign payment methods will contribute to improving the convenience and experience of international tourists.

Nowadays, the image of Vietnam is no longer strange to Koreans. Many Korean airlines are expanding their routes to Vietnam, in which the advantage of convenient travel distance is a big attraction. In addition, the development of artificial intelligence and the widespread use of smartphones are shortening the gap in tourism information between the two countries. Through promoting the unique features and beauty of Vietnam's regions, I expect tourism to continue to develop, thereby indirectly contributing to Vietnam's economic growth.

Mr. Ly Xuong Can and the novel about Prince Ly Long Tuong (Photo: HM)

As a businessman, what is your opinion when Vietnam issued Resolution 68 on promoting the private economy ?

- Resolution 68 on economic innovation is a strategic policy, identifying the private economy as an important driving force of the national economy. This resolution gives private enterprises more opportunities and equality in business and production, thereby moving towards a fair society. At the same time, private enterprises also have more opportunities to participate in Government projects.

According to Mr. Ly Xuong Can, Vietnamese and Korean enterprises have many similarities for cooperation. (Photo: HM)

From your experience in Korea, what advantages do you see for Vietnamese private enterprises when cooperating with Korean enterprises ?

- In Korea, the rapid development and perseverance of the Korean people have created a foundation of experience, capital and technology. For Vietnamese enterprises, actively participating in exchanges with a spirit of learning will bring many benefits. Based on the customs and Confucian spirit of both countries, I believe that there are many similarities for cooperation. In particular, Koreans consider helping others a noble virtue and are willing to share with those who know how to communicate. Therefore, we need to actively exchange and absorb good and practical things for ourselves.

Looking forward to the film project about Prince Ly Long Tuong

Mr. Ly Xuong Can said that 2026 will mark the 800th anniversary of Prince Ly Long Tuong's arrival in Korea. On this occasion, he hopes that the film about this historical figure will become a reality. Specifically, the film has the temporary name "Legend of the Forgotten Prince", depicting the life of Prince Ly Long Tuong in defeating the Mongols invading Korea, along with the journey back to his homeland of his descendants. The film is a historical genre with a time loop format connecting the past and present. The film is expected to be shot in Vietnam and Korea. Through the film, Mr. Ly Xuong Can hopes to convey the five great values ​​and qualities of Prince Ly Long Tuong to viewers, including: nostalgia for his homeland, courage, integrity of a scholar, loyalty and filial piety. He said he is currently working with a Korean writer to materialize the script. The biggest problem now is finding financial resources for the film, with an initial estimate of more than 7 billion VND.

Thank you very much

Performed by Hoang Manh - Tran Thuong

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/ong-ly-xuong-can-du-sinh-ra-o-han-quoc-nhung-trai-tim-toi-luon-huong-ve-viet-nam-215833.html