Released during a time when the entire country is commemorating the A80 milestone, the music videos "Continuing the story of peace" by Tung Duong and "Pain within peace" by Hoa Minzy have deeply moved audiences across Vietnam.

The cost of peace

The production value of Pain within peace rivals that of a theatrical film. Photo: FBNV

Though both songs were composed by Nguyen Van Chung, the two music videos tell different stories about the sacrifices made for peace.

Pain within peace is the soundtrack to the film Red Rain, and its storyline serves as a side narrative to the cinematic phenomenon currently captivating theaters nationwide. The MV focuses on the life of Captain Ta’s wife (portrayed by Hoa Minzy) on the home front. She embodies the image of a devoted wife and dutiful daughter-in-law as her husband fights to protect Quang Tri Citadel in 1972.

A pivotal moment in the MV comes when Captain Ta is killed in battle just as his wife gives birth to their son back home - a powerful juxtaposition symbolizing the cycle of life and death, destruction and regeneration, despair and hope.

While war extinguishes lives, it cannot stop life from beginning anew. The death of Ta - and of every soldier - marks the end of one generation, but also opens the door to a future of peace for the next.

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The scene of a war veteran seeing glimpses of his past loved ones is deeply moving. Photo: NVCC

While Pain within peace reflects the suffering of those left behind - parents, spouses, and children of fallen heroes - Continuing the story of peace explores the haunting memories of a war veteran who survives, carrying emotional wounds that never heal.

Studies show that most war survivors suffer from PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), yet this psychological consequence remains underrepresented in Vietnamese cinema and virtually untouched in music - unlike South Korea, which has extensively portrayed this theme.

The MV follows an elderly veteran haunted by dreams of his wife and comrades being shot before his eyes - hallucinations reflective of the most severe PTSD trauma. The director skillfully uses nightmares to portray his inner turmoil, a layer of emotional depth that mere dialogue cannot convey.

This veteran symbolizes how war does not end when the guns fall silent. Its scars remain etched in the minds of survivors, leaving both physical and psychological wounds that may never fully heal.

By emphasizing the emotional toll of war, the MV captures its central message: to continue the story of peace. Only by understanding the immense losses endured by earlier generations can today’s youth appreciate the peace they enjoy - and feel a sense of responsibility to preserve and build upon it.

Both MVs by Tung Duong and Hoa Minzy are successful in their own right.

According to Kworb, Pain within peace garnered 5.7 million views within four days of release, ranking in YouTube's Top 50 most-viewed videos globally in 24 hours. It gained strong momentum thanks to the buzz surrounding Red Rain, and its cinematic quality, impressive set design, and production scale earned it critical acclaim.

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Both artists triumphed by pouring their hearts into music. Photo: NVCC

Meanwhile, Tung Duong’s MV reached 1 million views in its first 24 hours, despite some disadvantages. The song had already made waves months earlier during the A50 event, slightly dulling the freshness of the release. Nevertheless, the audience appreciated its innovative narrative and recognized its value as a meaningful national hit.

Moreover, the male version of Continuing the story of peace is trending on TikTok, highlighting Tung Duong’s distinct appeal.

Unlike typical showbiz rivalries, the encounter between Tung Duong and Hoa Minzy is less about competition and more about contribution.

In this case, the audience is the true beneficiary. Amid the joyful, patriotic spirit of the A80 celebrations, they are treated to high-quality, meaningful content - works that blend entertainment with social commentary and ideological depth.

For their part, Tung Duong and Hoa Minzy fully embraced their roles not only as performers but as cultural warriors. They succeeded in resonating with the public through both passion and purpose.

At the same time, composer Nguyen Van Chung deserves credit for his immense contribution. Beyond the billion-view milestones, it is the emotional resonance and impact of Continuing the story of peace and Pain within peace that truly matter.

It’s time for music to move beyond mere digital rankings and viral trends. The essence of sustainability in art lies in truth, beauty, and goodness - the timeless values that keep music alive in people’s hearts.

Hai Au