Barbie Hsu’s younger sister, Dee Hsu confirmed the tragic news, explaining that the flu had escalated into pneumonia.
Rest in peace, Barbie Hsu. (Photo Credits: Instagram)
Barbie Hsu, the beloved Taiwanese actress who won hearts as the lead in the iconic drama Meteor Garden, has passed away at the age of 48. She was suffering from pneumonia. Known fondly as Da S, Hsu reportedly fell ill while vacationing in Japan with her family during the Lunar New Year. Her younger sister, Dee Hsu, a renowned TV host, confirmed the tragic news, explaining that the flu had escalated into pneumonia. “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!” Dee Hsu made an emotional statement on Monday.
She did not disclose further details regarding the location or time of her sister’s passing. The shocking news sent ripples through Taiwan and China, where Hsu had been a cherished presence on television screens for decades. On the Chinese social media platform Weibo, tributes poured in from grief-stricken fans, with her name swiftly trending, reports San Francisco Chronicle.
Hsu’s journey into stardom began as a teenager when she and Dee formed the pop duo S.O.S. Their success in music soon transitioned into television, where they became popular talk show hosts, winning over young audiences. Her breakthrough role came in 2001 with Meteor Garden, a drama that catapulted her to fame across Asia. Starring alongside the boyband F4, she portrayed the strong-willed and lovable Shan Cai, a character that resonated deeply with viewers and cemented her status as a household name.
Following Meteor Garden, Hsu continued to thrive in the entertainment industry, taking on a variety of roles in TV dramas, films, and talk shows. Her versatility and charm ensured her continued success in the limelight.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, beyond her career, Hsu’s personal life often made headlines. Her high-profile divorce from Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei in 2021, followed by their public disputes and legal battles, kept her name in the news. However, love found her again when she married Korean musician Koo Jun-yup, also known as DJ Koo.
Hsu was also a passionate advocate for animal rights, actively collaborating with organisations like PETA to raise awareness about cruelty in the fashion industry. “Barbie was one of the first and biggest stars to lend her support to PETA. She spoke up countless times for animals, directly urging brands to stop selling fur,” said Jason Baker, the organisation’s senior vice president.
She is survived by her husband, Koo Jun-yup and the two children she shared with Wang Xiaofei.
