Realizing a journey once considered difficult to achieve
For many years, the question "When will Sao Nhap Ngu go to Truong Sa?" has often been raised by audiences every time the program enters a new broadcast season. However, organizing the recording of a reality TV show in the Truong Sa archipelago is a task with many specific requirements, from personnel and equipment transportation to ensuring safety, military secrecy and discipline throughout the journey.
After many months of preparation and coordination with relevant agencies and units, Viettel Media has brought the crew and artists to Truong Sa, realizing the plan cherished for the past 10 years.
Mr. Le Anh Ngoc - Deputy Director of Viettel Media - Representative of the program said: "Truong Sa is a great desire of the production team, and also the most difficult challenge ever. The team's goal is not only to record the training process of the artists, but also to truthfully convey the life, work and spirit of officers, soldiers and people who are day and night clinging to the island and guarding the sea.
The entire recording process is carried out according to the regulations of the military environment. Each member must adapt to minimal living conditions, strictly comply with order, discipline and safety requirements at remote islands.
With the theme "Fatherland at the forefront of the waves", season 17 has the participation of eight artists including Phan Manh Quynh, Van Mai Huong, Quoc Truong, Thuy Ngan, Chau Bui, Erik, Minh Trang and Tuan Duong. Temporarily leaving the stage lights and familiar pace of life, the artists entered the days of training, living and performing tasks in the military environment in the open sea.
Growing up from discipline and teamwork
For Chau Bui, the program helps her get rid of the pressure of always appearing in a perfect image. In a collective environment, she is closer to her true self and feels the sincere reception from her teammates.
Erik considers the military enlistment journey as an opportunity to step out of the comfort zone. Once protected by his family and rarely having to perform many daily tasks himself, the male singer was surprised to realize that he can fold blankets, cook, hold guns and overcome heavy training exercises.
I feel strong, not as weak as I seem," Erik shared after the program.
Having participated in military summer camps, Tuan Duong said he was still overwhelmed by the intensity of training in the military environment. It was the days of eating, living together and performing tasks together that helped him learn to limit complaining, because all members faced the same difficulties. According to him, a complaint during a challenge can affect the spirit of the whole team.
Quoc Truong likened his military journey to a restart, returning to his youthful age. Every day, he doesn't have to worry about business, just revolving around training, eating, and living with his teammates. From practical experiences, the actor understands and sympathizes more deeply with the sacrifices of previous generations to maintain peace today.
For Minh Trang, the journey also brings valuable materials to the acting profession. She realizes that the appearance, eyes and aura of a soldier cannot be obtained by simple imitation, but are formed from the process of training, discipline, steadfastness and love for the Fatherland.
When love for the Fatherland is called by its name from simple things
Besides the training content, the days living in Truong Sa left many special emotions for the artists.
General director Luong Hai Khoa said that the crew did not need to stage emotions in the scenes at the sea and islands. According to him, Truong Sa itself has a special strength. Amidst the sea and sky of the Fatherland, beside sovereignty markers or in the flag salute ceremony, the emotions and pride of each participant come naturally.
Thuy Ngan said that the trip helped her realize that her love for the Fatherland is stronger than she had ever imagined. "My patriotism is like being unlocked," the actress said.
Van Mai Huong was moved when performing the flag salute ceremony next to the sovereignty marker. In front of the vast sea and sky space, the female singer felt more clearly the pride and sacredness of the two words "Fatherland".
For Phan Manh Quynh, the days in Truong Sa also opened up a source of creative inspiration. The male musician said he wanted to write a complete song about Truong Sa after returning to the mainland.
Not only is it a journey to overcome physical limits, Sao Nhap Ngu 2026 also brings participants closer to the lives of officers and soldiers on remote islands. Through each training exercise, each meal and moments standing in front of the Fatherland's sea and sky, the image of soldiers appears simple, close but also full of bravery and responsibility.
Sao Nhap Ngu 2026 - Fatherland at the forefront" airs from August 13, 2026, at 8:45 PM every Thursday on QPVN channel; at 9:00 PM on HTV7, YouTube and TV360.
