TAIPEI, Taiwan — Barbie Hsu, the beloved Taiwanese actress renowned for her role in the iconic TV drama “Meteor Garden,” has passed away at the age of 48 due to pneumonia stemming from a flu infection.
Hsu, often referred to as “Da S” or “Big S,” contracted the flu while on a family trip to Japan during the Lunar New Year, as revealed by her sister, Dee Hsu, who is also a popular television host. Dee explained that the pneumonia developed as a complication of the flu.
In a heartfelt statement released on Monday, Dee expressed her deep gratitude for their sisterly bond, stating, “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 did not disclose the specific details surrounding her sister’s passing.
The announcement of Barbie Hsu’s unexpected death sent shockwaves through fans in both Taiwan and China, where her shows enjoyed significant popularity throughout her career. News of her tragic demise became a trending topic on the social media platform Weibo in China.
One user on Weibo shared the sentiment of many, saying, “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.”
Hsu rose to fame in her teenage years when she formed a pop music group called S.O.S. alongside her sister Dee, known as “Xiao S” or “Small S.” The duo later transitioned into television hosting, amassing a devoted fan base along the way.
In 2001, Hsu’s portrayal of the lead female character in “Meteor Garden” catapulted her to stardom across Asia, notably featuring alongside the boyband F4. Following this breakthrough, she built a successful career with various television dramas, films, and talk shows.
In recent years, Hsu’s personal life garnered considerable attention, particularly regarding her highly publicized divorce from Chinese entrepreneur Wang Xiaofei. Their tumultuous separation, characterized by heated exchanges on social media and legal disputes post-divorce in 2021, frequently made headlines. She later entered into marriage with Korean musician Koo Jun-yup, often recognized as “DJ Koo.”
Hsu was also a passionate advocate for animal rights, partnering with organizations such as PETA to promote her cause. Jason Baker, a senior vice president at PETA, remarked, “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.”
She is survived by her husband Koo and her two children from her marriage to Wang.