Who is model Ngoc Trinh?
Ngoc Trinh, whose real name is Tran Thi Ngoc Trinh, was born on September 27, 1989, in Tra Vinh, Vietnam. She is a prominent Vietnamese fashion model, film actress, and businesswoman. She gained widespread public recognition in Vietnam as a lingerie model, earning the popular media moniker "Nữ hoàng nội y" ("Queen of Lingerie"). Over her career, she has transitioned into acting, starring in several high-profile Vietnamese feature films, while also running various business enterprises in cosmetics and fashion.
Background/biography
Ngoc Trinh was raised in a large, working-class family in Tra Vinh province in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. Her mother passed away shortly after her birth due to health complications, leaving her father to support four children through various manual jobs. To help relieve her family's financial hardship, she moved to Ho Chi Minh City during her teenage years.
While working in Ho Chi Minh City, she was discovered by talent manager Vu Khac Tiep and joined his modeling agency, Venus. Under his guidance, she began participating in local modeling competitions, undergoing image training and launching her professional career in the Vietnamese entertainment industry.
Modeling and entertainment career
- 2005: Won the "Best Photogenic" award at the Supermodel Vietnam contest.
- 2011: Crowned Miss Vietnam International in Long Beach, California, USA.
- 2016: Starred as the lead protagonist in the autobiographical drama film Vong eo 56 ("Waistline 56"), which was inspired by her personal life story.
- 2019: Starred in the romantic comedy feature film Vu quy dai nao.
- 2023: Co-starred alongside Minh Hang in the comedy drama feature film Chi chi em em 2 ("Sister Sister 2").
Beyond her work on fashion runways and photo shoots, Ngoc Trinh expanded her career into film acting, collaborating with prominent Vietnamese directors. She has also built a strong presence on social media platforms and invested in various commercial ventures, including fashion retail and cosmetics brands.
The "Queen of Lingerie" title and media spotlight
Ngoc Trinh became a focal point of Vietnamese celebrity media due to her distinct visual style and her signature 56-centimeter waistline, which directly inspired the title of her 2016 biographical film Vong eo 56. Her frequent photo campaigns in swimwear and high fashion earned her lasting attention in national pop culture.
Throughout her career, she has also been a frequent topic of public debate due to her outspoken commentary regarding personal relationships and wealth, as well as her daring red carpet appearances at international events such as the Cannes Film Festival in 2019.
Public reception
Public and media perception of Ngoc Trinh in Vietnam remains mixed. On one hand, supporters and industry peers praise her visual appeal, photogenic quality, savvy personal branding, and successful transition into commercial film roles. On the other hand, critics and conservative commentators have frequently scrutinized her daring fashion statements and candid public statements, making her one of the most widely discussed and polarized figures in Vietnamese show business.