Born in 2008 and of Vietnamese-Korean descent, Kim Jae Bin is the youngest contestant to reach the top 16 of Sao Mai 2026. Having previously gained attention at The Voice Kids 2019 and the "Ultimate Duet - Golden Child Duo" competition , the 18-year-old returns with a mature image, youthful musical sensibilities, and a touching real-life story behind the scenes.
After a series of successes in children's music competitions, Kim Jae Bin went through several relatively quiet years. Explaining this period, the young singer shared that he focused on his studies at the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music (majoring in light vocal music, harmony and arrangement), tried his hand at songwriting, and went through economic and family challenges.
Heartbreaking letters Kim Jae Bin sent to his mother on the brink of death.
In June 2025, Jae Bin's family faced a major tragedy when his mother, Nguyen Yen, suddenly suffered multiple organ failure due to severe complications from dengue fever, facing death. Kim Jae Bin felt deeply remorseful that his mother's condition was his fault.
"My home is in Binh Duong, but I study and perform in Ho Chi Minh City. There were days when I finished performing at 9 or 10 pm, and by the time I started driving home, it was already midnight. Every day, my mother would sit by the door waiting for me to come home, so she got bitten by mosquitoes and the bites were quite severe," the singer recounted.
For many months afterward, Kim's mother was hospitalized in the intensive care unit at Cho Ray Hospital. She was in a deep coma for nearly four months and paralyzed for six months. Kim continued to go to school, sing, and visit her mother at the hospital every night, even though she couldn't go directly into the ward. Kim chose to pray for her mother's speedy recovery and wrote letters to her daily, even though her mother couldn't read them for months.
Ms. Yen emotionally recalled: "Every day, Kim would write me a handwritten letter and send it to my hospital room... Lying on my hospital bed, those small, affectionate words from my daughter were a miraculous source of strength that gave me the motivation to overcome the boundary between life and death."
Kim Jae Bin also shared his painful memories: "Not knowing what else to do, I wrote handwritten letters to my mother, filled with all my love and longing. When she woke up, I felt both sad and happy, because her health was still very weak at that time."
The spirit of an 18-year-old and a fresh burst of energy.
It was his mother's boundless love and his desire to repay her kindness that motivated Kim Jae Bin to register for Sao Mai 2026 – a competition that emphasizes professionalism and powerful vocals. "My decision to register for Sao Mai this time is my way of showing my parents that I am clearly and confidently walking the path I have chosen," Kim Jae Bin said.
The singer's mother proudly shared: "When my son registered to participate in Sao Mai, his biggest motivation was for me. I always wished he could achieve his dreams, and that wish became the driving force for him to step onto the Sao Mai 2026 stage."
Sharing the stage with many senior singers who possess excellent voices and have won numerous prestigious singing competitions, Kim Jae Bin admits to feeling a little pressure but hasn't lost his confidence. Aware of his strengths in dance music, songwriting, instrumental skills, and a modern approach to entertainment, the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music student wants to bring a fresh perspective to this competition.
Sharing his thoughts on the competitive pressure at Sao Mai 2026, the 18-year-old frankly stated: "When competing with the older contestants, I see that everyone possesses incredibly powerful voices. I'm a little worried, but I believe that my energy, personality, and unique musical style are the most distinctive things I can bring to the audience. Actually, I don't feel too much pressure. I believe I have a unique quality that no one can replace. I also think that if I just keep striving and working hard, I will receive the deserved reward."
The filial son shines on stage.
Kim Jae Bin's mother recounted that when her son was just one year old, she saw him holding a remote control as a microphone, dancing along to the TV. From that moment, she discovered his talent and passion for singing. Kim Jae Bin shared that his family simply enjoyed singing, and no one in his family pursued a professional music career. It was his mother who encouraged him to audition for a music conservatory to pursue the challenging path of a professional singer.
By participating in Sao Mai 2026, Kim Jae Bin's biggest goal isn't to 'fight' or 'defeat' anyone, but rather to have the opportunity to dedicate himself fully, to shine to the fullest, to bring his musical style to the audience, and to give his all on stage.
Ms. Yen said she will arrange to attend and support her son's performance at his second live show this weekend in Hanoi , because she knows he longs to see her in the audience for added motivation. Receiving this invaluable emotional support, Kim Jae Bin is preparing with the highest spirit, stepping onto the stage not only with his talent but also with the filial heart of a son for his mother.
Source: https://baotintuc.vn/kim-jae-bin-chang-ca-si-mang-2-dong-mau-viet-han-gay-an-tuong-tai-sao-mai-post1391910.html
