Hun Sen Confirms Authorship of Iconic Song ‘Oh Phnom Penh Euy’
In a public statement aimed at preserving the historical integrity of one of Cambodia’s most beloved songs, Senate President Hun Sen has verified the authorship of the iconic track “Oh Phnom Penh Euy”. The song, which reflects the profound sorrow and resilience of the Cambodian people following Phnom Penh’s liberation from the Khmer Rouge regime on January 7, 1979, remains a powerful symbol of the nation’s strength more than four decades later.
Clarifying the Song’s Origins
The confirmation came after a controversy arose regarding the true author of the song. Recently, a Facebook user named Chun Sothy claimed that the late Mam Thoeun, former head of the Army’s Performance Unit, was the author of the song. Thoeun, who passed away in 2023, had made significant contributions to the army’s cultural and performance divisions, and his name was well-known in Cambodia’s artistic circles.
However, Hun Sen, in a statement released on his Facebook page, firmly denied these claims and clarified the song’s true origins. He recounted the history of “Oh Phnom Penh Euy,” explaining that the lyrics were written by Keo Chenda on January 7, 1979, the very day Phnom Penh was liberated. Chey Sophea arranged and composed the music the following day, while So Channy was the one who performed the song.
The Song’s Historical Significance
“Oh Phnom Penh Euy” was composed at a moment of profound historical importance for the Cambodian people. The song reflects the grief, longing, and hope of a population scarred by the brutal three-year reign of the Khmer Rouge. It poignantly expresses the pain of separation from loved ones and the yearning for justice, while celebrating the indomitable spirit of Phnom Penh and its people.
More than 45 years after its release, “Oh Phnom Penh Euy” remains a cherished anthem for Cambodians, evoking memories of the liberation and the resilience of the nation. According to Hun Sen, the song still holds emotional weight, even for him personally: “For me, this song still brings me to tears,” he said, reflecting on the collective memory it represents.
Addressing the Misunderstanding
The controversy erupted after Chun Sothy made his public claim attributing the authorship to Mam Thoeun, who had been a prominent figure in Cambodia’s military arts sector. However, after Hun Sen’s intervention, Sothy admitted his mistake and publicly apologized for the misinformation.
Hun Sen also emphasized that when “Oh Phnom Penh Euy” was first broadcast after Phnom Penh’s liberation, the song’s authorship was not immediately credited. It wasn’t until September 1979 that Keo Chenda’s contribution as the lyricist was formally acknowledged.
The Cultural and Legal Landscape
In 2023, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts officially resolved a copyright dispute related to the song through an out-of-court settlement. The settlement confirmed that Keo Chenda wrote the lyrics, Chey Sophea arranged the music, and So Channy performed the song, with the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) holding the heritage rights to the iconic piece.
This settlement ensured that the rightful authorship of the song would be officially recognized, putting to rest any further disputes over its origin. The song’s cultural significance as a symbol of Cambodia’s liberation and survival under the Khmer Rouge has only grown with the years, and the resolution of its authorship dispute was seen as an important step in safeguarding Cambodia’s artistic legacy.
A Legacy of National Unity and Resilience
For many, “Oh Phnom Penh Euy” is not just a song but a testament to Cambodia’s survival and the strength of its people. The melody and lyrics encapsulate a period of intense suffering and profound hope, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s history.
As Hun Sen stated, the song’s memory continues to resonate with the Cambodian public, particularly those who lived through the horrors of the Khmer Rouge era. “It is part of our history, and it will continue to remind future generations of the resilience and spirit of the Cambodian people,” he said, reflecting on the ongoing emotional and cultural power of the song.
In the face of false claims and historical misunderstandings, Hun Sen’s verification serves as an important reminder to honor and preserve Cambodia’s true cultural history, ensuring that songs like “Oh Phnom Penh Euy” continue to inspire and unify the Cambodian people for generations to come.
