TAIWANESE actress Barbie Hsu, widely recognized for her lead role in the hit drama Meteor Garden, has passed away at the age of 48 due to pneumonia caused by influenza complications.
Hsu’s passing was confirmed by her sister, Dee Hsu, through her agent on Monday, February 3. According to reports, the actress contracted influenza-induced pneumonia while on a family trip to Japan.
“Our entire family traveled to Japan, and my dearest, kindhearted sister Barbie Hsu sadly succumbed to influenza-induced pneumonia,” Dee Hsu shared in a statement reported by Taiwanese media outlet Focus Taiwan.
Expressing her grief, Dee also shared her gratitude for the time she had with Barbie. “I am thankful to have been her sister in this lifetime. We cared for each other deeply, and I will always cherish and miss her,” she said.
Hsu is survived by her husband, South Korean singer and DJ Koo Jun-yup, as well as her two children—a 10-year-old daughter and an eight-year-old son—whom she shared with her ex-husband, Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei.
Born Hsu Hsi-yuan, Barbie Hsu became a household name in Taiwan and beyond for her portrayal of Shancai in Meteor Garden, the popular Taiwanese adaptation of the Japanese manga Hana Yori Dango.
She starred alongside Jerry Yan, Vic Chou, Ken Chu, and Vanness Wu, who formed the famous F4.
Beyond Meteor Garden, Hsu built a successful career in film and television, appearing in projects such as Meteor Garden II, Eternity: A Chinese Ghost Story, Corner With Love, Mars, On His Majesty’s Secret Service, and Future X-Cops.
Her passing marks a great loss to the entertainment industry, leaving fans mourning the beloved actress who captured hearts with her performances.