After four memorable years led by the witty and erudite NSND Xuân Bắc, the popular Vietnamese gameshow Vua Tiếng Việt on VTV3 is entering a new chapter. As of its fifth season, the familiar face and voice of Xuân Bắc will pass the torch to a new host—BTV Sơn Lâm, a seasoned television personality with over 15 years of experience on VTV. The transition marks not just a change in leadership, but a moment of anticipation for fans who have come to love the show’s unique blend of humor, intellect, and celebration of the Vietnamese language.
For many viewers, Xuân Bắc’s presence became synonymous with Vua Tiếng Việt. According to VTC News, his "witty, intelligent, and charming hosting style contributed to the bright success of the program." His ability to connect players and audiences, while keeping the atmosphere lively and educational, set a high bar for anyone who would follow. Season after season, Xuân Bắc’s stagecraft and quick wit established a standard that, as Sơn Lâm himself admits, is "difficult to replace."
Enter BTV Sơn Lâm—real name Dương Sơn Lâm, born in 1989—who is no stranger to Vietnamese television audiences. With a career spanning more than a decade and a half, he has left his mark on a variety of shows, including Việc tử tế, Cafe sáng với VTV3, 60 phút mở, and the satirical segment Điểm tuần of Chuyển động 24h. His style, described as "humorous with a touch of gentle satire," has earned him a devoted following. But his journey to the anchor’s desk was anything but straightforward.
Before television beckoned, Sơn Lâm’s path seemed destined for the sciences. He studied Chemical Engineering at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, worked for two years in the chemical industry, and even earned a master’s scholarship in Chemistry to study in South Korea. "It seemed I would be tied to chemistry for life," he once reflected. Yet, after a period of soul-searching abroad, he realized that the laboratory was not where his true passion lay. He returned to Vietnam and started anew as a television host—a leap of faith that, in hindsight, seems to have paid off handsomely.
The road has not always been smooth. Despite his long tenure, Sơn Lâm has faced his share of challenges and criticism, especially for his sometimes provocative commentary during Chuyển động 24h. As reported by VTC News, he acknowledged, "When facing criticism, I always look at the positive comments and remember the times my introductions were widely and positively shared by the online community to regain my balance." This resilience, combined with meticulous preparation for every appearance, has helped him weather the storms of public scrutiny.
Off-camera, Sơn Lâm’s personal life is a testament to the same commitment and warmth he brings to his professional role. He married his longtime partner in 2019, following a six-year romance that began when they met at a media event—he as the MC, she as a communications professional. The couple now has two children, and Sơn Lâm frequently shares moments of family happiness and humor on his social media. "I am lucky to have a wife who is disciplined, meticulous, and shares the same direction in life," he wrote. On the birth of his son, he posted a heartfelt note: "You can be a little carefree in this life, but be a good person, always happy, know how to love, strive for those you love, and choose a wonderful wife like your father did."
Stepping into the role of Vua Tiếng Việt host, Sơn Lâm admits to a whirlwind of emotions—happiness, excitement, and a healthy dose of nerves. "To be honest, when I received the invitation to join the program, I was overjoyed, but also... a bit nervous," he confessed, as quoted by VTC News. "Happy because not everyone gets the chance to stand on a stage already loved by the audience. Nervous because, after four seasons, for the audience, the image of NSND Xuân Bắc has become a 'standard' that is hard to replace at the host position."
He recognizes the dual nature of his new responsibility: "The pressure is having to confront the high standard set by Xuân Bắc. But the good fortune is that I get to step onto a stage already filled with love from the audience and paved by an artist I greatly admire." Rather than trying to outshine or imitate his predecessor, Sơn Lâm is focused on being "the best version of himself." He is determined to "preserve the soul of the gameshow: honoring the richness of the Vietnamese language, making every word and sentence come alive." He also views the pressure as motivation—"to be more meticulous with every introduction, every rule, every reaction on stage."
His approach to the show’s legacy is one of respect and continuity, not competition. "The biggest shadow of a successful program is the love of the audience. Therefore, I don’t try to surpass that 'shadow' but to cherish the existing value and continue the journey in my own rhythm," he shared with VTC News. This philosophy is likely to resonate with fans who might be wary of change but are also curious to see how a new host can bring fresh energy to a beloved format.
With the stage set and anticipation building, Vua Tiếng Việt season 5 promises to be a place where viewers can continue to watch, enjoy, and deepen their love for the Vietnamese language. Under Sơn Lâm’s energetic and thoughtful guidance, the show aims to remain a celebration of linguistic richness and cultural pride, even as it evolves in new directions. Whether he will win over the hearts of longtime fans remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Sơn Lâm is stepping onto the stage with both humility and determination, ready to make his own mark on a cherished tradition.
As the new season unfolds, audiences will be watching closely—not just to see how Sơn Lâm navigates the pressures and expectations, but to witness how the spirit of Vietnamese language and culture continues to thrive on national television.
