VŨ TRỌNG PHỤNG (1912-1939) was a renowned Vietnamese writer and journalist, regarded as one of the most influential figures in twentieth century Vietnamese literature. In his short lifespan of 27 years, Vũ Trọng Phụng left an astonishing body of works across genres, from short story and novel to play and journalism. His writings are known for their bold and uncompromising portrayal of Vietnamese society under French colonial rule and for addressing taboo topics such as sexuality and sex work. Accused of ‘cultural damage’ due to the sexual content in his writings, he faced legal action, and his works were banned in the north of Vietnam, then nationally until the late 1980s.