Ly Xuong Can, a 31st-generation descendant of Emperor Ly Thai To, spoke about the historic bond between Vietnam and Korea at a recent seminar in Ho Chi Minh City.

At the seminar held on November 8 at Van Lang University, Vietnamese Tourism Ambassador to South Korea Ly Xuong Can -- a 31st-generation descendant of Ly Thai To, the founding emperor of Vietnam’s Ly Dynasty that reigned from 1009 to 1028 -- delivered an emotional speech which highlighted the 800-year-old connection between Vietnam and Korea.

Though only a small portion of Can’s genetics carries Vietnamese ancestry, he holds deep love and loyalty to his Vietnamese roots. 

Addressing a full auditorium, Can focused on an important message aimed at younger generations: cherish and take pride in Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage, regardless of where life takes them.

This message was embodied by Can’s stories of Prince Ly Long Tuong, whom he affectionately referred to as 'the forgotten prince.'

The prince was born in 1174 to Emperor Ly Anh Tong (1138–75).

He came of age as the Ly Dynasty entered into a period of decline, shortly before it ceded power to the Tran Dynasty (1225–1400).

In 1226, as the Tran Dynasty began to take hold in Vietnam, Prince Ly Long Tuong and several other Ly Dynasty loyals left Vietnam, hoping to find shelter and the opportunity to preserve their family’s legacy abroad.

They eventually landed on the Korean Peninsula, where they found sanctuary and spent years aiding in the defense of Korea from foreign invasions.

Over time, the Ly family integrated into Korean society, contributing to a centuries-long bond between Vietnam and Korea.

Generations later, descendants like Can continue this legacy, strengthening the cultural ties between the two countries.

Through the generations, the Ly family in South Korea has preserved its Vietnamese cultural heritage.

For Can, this connection to his roots is an inseparable part of his identity.

“Perhaps this is my destiny or mission,” he told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

“I believe I was born to return to my roots. 

"Through this role, I feel called to act as a bridge between my two homelands, my two cultures.”

Heritage and unity

Can made his first visit to Vietnam in 1994. 

Welcomed warmly by both the people and government of Vietnam, he felt like a long-lost family member who had finally returned home.

That visit strengthened his commitment to Vietnam’s progress, inspiring his dedication to the country's development.

In 2024, Can was appointed Vietnamese Tourism Ambassador to South Korea for the third term (2024–29), a role in which he passionately works to introduce Vietnam to Korean audiences and the world. 

“As a tourism ambassador, I am dedicated to promoting the potential of lesser-known Vietnamese regions to South Korean investors,” he explained. 

“However, I hope the Vietnamese government will develop strategies to attract foreign investment to under-resourced areas.

"Provinces in the central region, the Mekong Delta, an northern provinces outside of Hanoi are often overlooked despite their unique potentialities.

"I hope that over time we’ll see more initiatives that encourage balanced investment across the country.”

Bonds of affection

With a growing online presence on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, Can has an increasing number of opportunities to connect with the Vietnamese community, both at home and abroad. 

“I’m continually moved by the warmth of Vietnamese people whenever I post on social media,” he said. 

“On my TikTok channel, I never see negative remarks from Vietnamese viewers. Their comments are always filled with appreciation and encouragement.

"They reflect the love and pride they feel for our shared roots.

"Every word of encouragement is something I deeply cherish.”

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