'Debts of Life' has emerged as a significant television series in Vietnam, drawing attention for almost two months. As it approaches its final episode, director Ho Ngoc Xum and his team have revealed intriguing behind-the-scenes stories. The show, aired on THVL, is set against the backdrop of a wealthy family in Southern Vietnam during the late French colonial period, exploring themes of power struggles and family tragedies.

The narrative intensifies as long-buried secrets come to light, leading to betrayals, infidelities, and longstanding feuds that keep viewers engaged. According to YouNet Media's SocialTrend rankings, 'Debts of Life' has repeatedly topped discussions about television dramas on social media, becoming a phenomenon in 2026.

The show's appeal lies not only in its dramatic plot twists but also in its message about the law of cause and effect. Director Ho Ngoc Xum explained that the film continues his reflection on this theme but from a different perspective. Unlike his previous work 'Debts of Life' from over 20 years ago, which focused on debts imposed by circumstances, this series emphasizes debts created by individuals themselves. 'Whoever borrows must repay. Each character faces the consequences of their greed and desires,' he stated.

Screenwriter Nguyen Thi Mong Thu added that she chose not to give a lenient ending to the antagonistic characters. 'I believe that choosing death to repay debts is too gentle. Losing everything one has schemed for, including loved ones, is the ultimate punishment. The film also reminds us that while one can hide the truth for years, they cannot escape their conscience and the law of cause and effect,' she expressed.

The cast includes familiar faces such as Thanh Binh, Duong Cam Lynh, Thanh Hien, Nguyen Quoc Truong Thinh, Vo Dinh Hieu, Tu Tri, Huynh Hong Loan, Le Thu, and Ha Kim. Among them, actress Thanh Hien has garnered attention for her role as Phan, the ambitious 'concubine' of a wealthy councilman. She shared with Dân trí that she was captivated by the complex psychological development of her character, spanning from youth to old age. 'I know for sure that when the show airs, the audience will dislike my character for being too evil. But that’s what I find appealing. Such a role, with depth, is rare,' she remarked.

While waiting for the filming to commence, Thanh Hien turned down 3-4 other projects. After more than a decade in television, she considers Phan one of her most memorable roles. 'I am very happy when many viewers say this is a role of a lifetime. For an actor, the most precious thing is to encounter a character deep enough to unleash all of one's abilities,' she concluded.