'Alibaba of Vietnam' founder denies affair with Miss Earth Vietnam runner-up

Businessman Nguyen Hoa Binh (L) and his wife, actress Do Phuong Oanh. Photo from Oanh's Facebook

Binh stated on his Facebook page Saturday: "From the day I was born to this moment, I have never known or been acquainted with anyone named HKC [Hoang Kim Chi]."

"I hope everyone will not be misled by sites that spread fake news," he added.

Under the post, friends of the entrepreneur have suggested he take legal action against the accounts spreading these rumors. In response, Binh expressed his belief in "karma."

As reported by Vietnamese news outlet Znews, the rumor mill had been buzzing on social media, suggesting turmoil within a high-profile couple, cryptically referred to as a "shark" and a "doll," due to the husband’s extramarital affair. Social media users believed the "shark" was Binh, who earned the nickname after appearing as a board member on the reality TV show "Shark Tank Vietnam." The "doll" was speculated to be his wife, actress Do Phuong Oanh, known for her role as "Quynh Bup Be" (Quynh Doll) in a television series.

Amidst these rumors, a video of Chi discussing her relationship with a man named Binh resurfaced, leading to further speculation that she was involved with the entrepreneur. However, Chi later clarified that the video was from 2022 and the man she referred to was singer Trinh Thang Binh, stating: "I am not involved in the rumors circulating online. These are all baseless fabrications that are significantly affecting my image."

Binh, 43, and Oanh, 35, married last year and welcomed twins in May of this year.

Chi, 27, competed in the 2022 Miss Grand Vietnam and the 2023 Miss Earth Vietnam pageants, securing the Miss Fire title at the latter, which corresponds to third runner-up.