Barbie Hsu, a well-known Taiwanese actress famous for her role in Meteor Garden, passed away at the age of 48 in Japan. She contracted the flu while visiting the country with her family during the Lunar New Year, which later led to pneumonia. Her sudden death has shocked fans across Taiwan and China. She is survived by her husband, Koo Jun-yup, and her two children.
Barbie Hsu’s Unexpected Passing
Barbie Hsu, a beloved Taiwanese actress, has passed away at the age of 48. She died in Japan after developing pneumonia, which was triggered by the flu. Her younger sister, Dee Hsu, confirmed the heartbreaking news. Barbie had traveled to Japan with her family for the Lunar New Year when she fell ill.
Dee Hsu, also a famous television host, shared her grief in a public statement. “I am grateful that in this lifetime I was able to be her sister, taking care of each other and being companions. I will forever be thankful for her and miss her!” she expressed. However, she did not provide further details about the exact time and place of Barbie’s passing.
The sudden news of Barbie’s death has deeply affected her fans in Taiwan and China. Many people grew up watching her television dramas, and her passing feels like a personal loss to them. On the Chinese social media platform Weibo, the news quickly became one of the most talked-about topics.
One user wrote, “It feels like someone you’re so familiar with is suddenly gone. This is unbelievable. Her two children, poor kids. May she rest in peace.”
A Star That Shone Across Asia
Barbie Hsu first gained attention in the entertainment industry as a teenager when she formed a pop music group called S.O.S. with her younger sister, Dee. The duo later moved on to hosting television shows and quickly became popular, especially among young audiences.
However, it was in 2001 that Barbie Hsu became a household name across Asia. She starred as the female lead in Meteor Garden, a Taiwanese drama that captured the hearts of viewers throughout the continent. The series, which also featured the boyband F4, was one of the most successful dramas of its time. It introduced Barbie Hsu to an even larger audience and made her one of the most recognizable actresses in the region.
Following the success of Meteor Garden, Barbie continued to act in several television dramas and films. She also appeared in talk shows and maintained a strong presence in the entertainment industry for many years.
Her Personal Life and Family
In recent years, Barbie Hsu’s personal life often made headlines. Her high-profile marriage, divorce, and later remarriage attracted significant media attention.
She was previously married to Wang Xiaofei, a Chinese businessman. Their relationship became a topic of public discussion, especially after their divorce in 2021. Following the separation, Barbie and Wang were involved in legal disputes and made several statements about each other on social media.
Later, Barbie found love again and married Korean musician Koo Jun-yup, popularly known as “DJ Koo.” Their marriage was widely reported in the media, and many fans were happy to see her begin a new chapter in her life.
Despite the ups and downs in her personal life, Barbie remained a dedicated mother to her two children, whom she shared with Wang.
Remembering Barbie Hsu
Beyond her career in entertainment, Barbie Hsu was known for her compassion and strong beliefs. She was particularly passionate about animal rights and worked with various organizations to support the cause.
She collaborated with groups such as PETA and used her platform to raise awareness about cruelty against animals. Jason Baker, a senior vice president at PETA, shared a heartfelt tribute after her passing.
