Taiwanese Actress Barbie Hsu Dies of Pneumonia at 48

Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, best known for her role in the hit drama Meteor Garden, has died at 48 due to pneumonia caused by influenza. Her sister, Dee Hsu, confirmed the news on Monday.

A Legacy in Asian Entertainment

Hsu, a prominent figure in Mandarin-language entertainment, gained widespread fame in 2001 as Shancai in Meteor Garden, a Taiwanese adaptation of the Japanese manga Hana Yori Dango. The show became a regional sensation, making her a household name in the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and beyond.

Family Confirms Tragic Passing

According to Dee Hsu, Barbie fell ill while on a family vacation in Japan during the Lunar New Year holiday. In a statement shared through her manager, Dee expressed her grief:

“Our whole family came to Japan for a trip, and my dearest and most kindhearted sister Barbie Hsu died of influenza-induced pneumonia and unfortunately left us.”

She added that she was grateful to have shared a life with Barbie and would always cherish their time together.

Health Complications and Past Struggles

Hsu had a history of epilepsy and heart disease. She had been hospitalized in the past due to seizures, and her condition may have contributed to the severity of her illness.

Outpouring of Grief and Tributes

News of her passing spread quickly, shocking fans across Asia. On Chinese social media platform Weibo, her name became the top trending topic, with thousands of comments expressing disbelief and sorrow:

• “She was only 48… this is too sudden.”
• “I can’t believe this is real.”

Her Meteor Garden co-star Ken Chu shared a black image on Instagram, along with a group photo featuring Hsu. On Weibo, he wrote: “What a shock.”

Personal Life and Family

Hsu is survived by her South Korean husband, Koo Jun-yup, a singer and DJ, and two children—a 10-year-old daughter and an 8-year-old son, whom she shared with her ex-husband, Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei.

A Lasting Impact on Entertainment

Meteor Garden left an enduring cultural mark, leading to multiple remakes in Japan, South Korea, China, and India. Hsu’s portrayal of Shancai remains one of the most beloved performances in Asian drama history.

Her death has not only saddened her family, friends, and fans but has also marked the end of an era for Asian entertainment.

More…

• https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgy81rv22do
• https://focustaiwan.tw/culture/202502030003
• https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/taiwans-barbie-hsu-hugely-popular-east-asia-dies-flu-2025-02-03