Singer Siu Black, who has recently stirred up public concerns over her debt scandal, has called for her debtors' and audience’s sympathy to allow her to come back to the stage.

Siu Black still looks tired after the debt shock

How are you living over the past few days since public concern has yet to calm down after your debt scandal?

First of all I have to say that I was wrong to make a mess like this. I would like to make an apology and send  gratitude to those who have helped me. In spite of that, things still  ended up the way they did today. I was too scared to admit my faults.

I’ve made efforts, but have failed to deal properly with too many difficulties at the same time. I’ve never faced such fierce criticism before and consequently I am really depressed.

When you began to default on debts what scared you the most?

Several creditors called me and threatened to publish my story in the newspapers and put me into an even more humiliating position, however, what scared me the most was that I may no longer have the chance to sing again. If they give me a way, I will continue to sing to earn money and settle my debts.

I experienced one bankruptcy in 2000 and recovered from that challenge to start again by opening a cafe. Then I foolishly repeated my mistakes  and ended up the way I am today. Nevertheless, I don’t feel regret for opening a cafe because my intentions were good-- I just wanted to create jobs for my relatives.

Things happened that I could not control and I didn’t want to lose face because of them. If I have another chance to do things over again I would sing again to earn money to repay my debts.

Do you mean that your debts are not the result of your gambling?

I  gamble sometimes for pleasures but it’s not true that I defaulted on my debts because of  chronic gambling losses. I know I cannot undo what I've already done, but I just really hope that you all will give me another chance to start over. I’ll try my best to sing to earn money as soon as I feel better. Actually I’ve yet to recover from the shock of it all.

Like you said you want to have an opportunity to start again but are you sure you can keep your promise?

Actually I’m unable to settle all my debts right now. I’m really depressed. I really need an opportunity and will try my best.

Many have shown their sympathy for you and claimed that you are not clever enough at doing business, even though you have been part of the showbiz industry for nearly 20 years. What do you think about this?

I’m a Bahnar ethnic-minority person and managed to set up my business in HCM City. I’m frank and always kind to everyone. When I was in trouble my family was worried that I might lose my home. They all know that I have had to strive to make a living and support my family.

Recently singer Long Nhat said in a newspaper that he has been your close friend over the past 20 years and that it’s ridiculous when Phuong Thanh volunteered to help you deal with your troubles. What do you think about his remark?

I have close relationships with several colleagues in the showbiz industry. Long Nhat and I have maintained a friendship for 20 years. However, it’s not really true that he’s my close friend as I’ve yet to talk to him on phone for more than ten minutes.

I do think that if he takes our friendship into account or has any sympathy for me; he should not try to make things more complicated but rather let people continue to help me ìf they want to. I would highly appreciate that.

Recently singer Dam Vinh Hung frankly said that you should take responsibility for what you’ve done and he didn’t want to get involved in your case. What do you think about this?

Not so long ago, Dam Vinh Hung called at my cafe and gave me some comfort. I really appreciated that and don’t want to  upset him or Phuong Thanh by bothering them with any more of my problems.

I will never forget those who have helped me and will try my best to repay them. Those who came to my recent performance, after my incident, can act as witnesses to my determination to correct my mistakes.

Some say that Phuong Thanh is taking advantage of this chance to gain popularity. What are your comments about such criticism?

I feel really sorry for putting  Phuong Thanh in such a situation. When I was in trouble, I tried to call her several times and I even thought of committing suicide. Luckily Phuong Thanh came and gave me a helping hand in time.