Images of young men and women participating in parade rehearsals commemorating the 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025) are taking social media by storm.

Across the country, citizens are looking forward to the grand celebration of the historic national reunification. Of special interest are the rehearsals involving 38 military and police parade formations.

In just a few candid moments, several young parade participants unexpectedly shot to online fame. Whether enduring intense training under harsh weather or simply captured in behind-the-scenes smiles, their striking appearances and charisma have quickly drawn attention.

The “heartthrob” of the Cyber Operations Command

On the evening of April 18, Hoang Duc Thang (born 2000, from Nghe An Province) was present at a parade rehearsal site in Ho Chi Minh City. While waiting for the session to begin, Thang asked a fellow soldier to snap a photo of him in uniform and posted it on TikTok as a keepsake.

The image swiftly gained traction online, with thousands of views. The sight of the young soldier in full uniform and serious demeanor resonated widely across social media platforms.

Thang was surprised by the sudden attention. For him, participating in the parade honoring the nation’s historic victory is a source of pride and immense honor.

A graduate in Military Communications from the Information Officer Training School in Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa, he currently works at Center 386 under the Cyber Operations Command.

He began training for the parade on December 24, 2024, in Quang Nam, and moved to Ho Chi Minh City on April 4 for the final rehearsal phase. His unit is part of the Cyber Operations Command block.

Thang and his comrades train daily from 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a two-hour lunch break, from Monday to Saturday, regardless of the weather. On stormy days, training moves indoors.

“To ensure uniform, graceful movements, we train intensely. Sometimes we wear ankle weights to strengthen our steps,” he shared.

One unforgettable memory for Thang was a scorching afternoon practice session from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. that left his skin burning. But to him, the hardships are nothing compared to the honor of taking part in such a momentous event.

The beautiful female police cadet

Nguyen Bao Chinh, a third-year student at the People's Police University, is part of the Female Special Police parade unit.

In a brief interview, her face mask slipped, revealing her radiant smile and delicate features. The moment was widely shared online, earning her compliments and praise.

Like her peers, Bao Chinh endures intense training at the barracks to prepare for the grand parade. She remains committed to her goal: “I won’t return home until my April 30 duty is complete.”

Photos from her personal social media reflect her youthful energy and elegant appearance, winning over many hearts.

The soldier hailed as a “K-drama actress lookalike”

Nguyen Thu Quynh (born 2001) currently serves in the Signal Company, General Staff Division, Tank-Armored Forces. She is part of the Female Military Medical Officers parade unit.

Thu Quynh became popular online after a clip showed her participating in a viral dance trend during a break from training. Her sweet smile and radiant look drew much admiration.

Born into a military family, Quynh initially studied a different field but later chose to follow her family's legacy. In 2024, with her family's support, she volunteered for military service and is now in her second year.

Sergeant with pageant credentials and striking height

Sergeant Bui Thi Phuong Ngoc is part of the Female Saigon Commandos parade unit.

On social media, her behind-the-scenes training photos and stunning appearance quickly drew attention. A graduate of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, Phuong Ngoc stands out with her 1.70m height.

She competed in Miss Vietnam 2022 and made the Top 15 in Miss Ocean Vietnam 2023. In 2022, she volunteered to enlist in the military, expressing a desire to serve long-term.

Thanh Minh