Renowned artist Linh Hiền, whose real name is Trịnh Công Danh, has made the difficult decision to withdraw his social insurance after nearly 30 years of dedication to the Southern Traditional Theatre in Ho Chi Minh City. This choice was driven by his recent diagnosis of acute leukemia, which has significantly impacted his health and financial situation.

In an interview, Linh Hiền explained that he has not received a monthly pension for the past two years due to various reasons. In 2024, facing serious health challenges, he opted for early retirement and proceeded to withdraw his social insurance in a lump sum after three decades of contributions.

“I do not have a pension because I withdrew my social insurance after 30 years of contributions due to my illness. At that time, I thought I might not survive,” he shared, reflecting on his circumstances.

Upon discovering his illness, Linh Hiền underwent treatment at a specialized hematology facility. The progression of his health condition left him anxious about whether he would have enough time and resources to wait for retirement benefits. Thus, he decided to withdraw his social insurance to secure funds for medical expenses.

Before leaving his job, he had a health certificate and retired approximately two years early. Although he feels regret about not having a pension, he believes that his decision was necessary given the urgency of his health crisis. His primary focus was to secure financial resources for treatment and sustain his living conditions. Linh Hiền accepted the trade-off of long-term benefits for immediate relief.

Reflecting on his career, Linh Hiền considers his 30 years at the Southern Traditional Theatre as a treasure, with the most valuable assets being his performances, professional experiences, and the students he has mentored since 2005.

Traditional theatre used to attract a wide audience across various age groups, especially in earlier decades. However, the rise of modern entertainment options has altered public preferences, leading to a decline in traditional performances and challenges for artists in the field.

Despite these challenges, Linh Hiền remains committed to passing on his knowledge to younger generations. He hopes that his students will continue to preserve the unique performance techniques, makeup styles, choreography, and the spirit of traditional theatre.

For Linh Hiền, the young artists who remain dedicated to the stage represent the legacy he leaves behind after three decades of contribution.