Television host Lại Văn Sâm has recently captured the hearts of viewers with his unexpected appearance in archival footage restored using artificial intelligence during a special broadcast on VTV. This event was part of the network's celebration of its 56th anniversary, which took place on September 7, 2026.

The event featured legendary voices, including artists Kim Tiến and Thanh Hùng, along with retired VTV staff, who gathered to watch a documentary showcasing the network's history. The AI-enhanced clips brought back memories of the early days of Vietnamese television, allowing attendees to reconnect with familiar faces from the past.

Many viewers expressed their emotions during the screening, with Kim Tiến remarking that the previously faded black-and-white footage was now clearer and more vivid thanks to AI technology. Thanh Hùng humorously noted that if AI had been available during their working years, he might have faced unemployment.

Among the restored footage was a young Lại Văn Sâm, whose thick hair and youthful appearance delighted the audience as they compared it to his well-known image on screen today. Lại Văn Sâm, often referred to as the "national MC," has left a significant mark on Vietnamese television through popular shows such as 'SV 96', 'The Amazing Hat', 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire', and 'We Are Soldiers'.

Since retiring in 2017, he has continued to host various programs, including 'Little Sun', 'Gentlemen's War', 'Joyful Memories', and 'Vietnamese Brain'. His latest participation was in the show 'A Date with Youth' on VTV, where he shared insights about his life after retirement.

Lại Văn Sâm expressed that he now has more free time, allowing him to choose projects he enjoys rather than fulfilling obligations. He candidly shared that while he is confident in his hosting skills, he lacks interest and expertise in business, denying rumors of his wealth or ownership of a villa in Hanoi. Instead, he lives in a modest three-story house of 40 square meters, which he describes as simple and very Vietnamese.

His daily routine begins at 6:30 AM, including exercise, breakfast with his wife, and enjoying coffee together. He prefers home-cooked meals and enjoys spending weekends with his children and grandchildren.