Taiwanese actress and TV host Barbie Hsu, also known as ‘Big S,’ has died at 48 after contracting influenza in Japan.
Best known for starring in the television series Meteor Garden, her passing was reported by her sister to Taiwan’s TVBS News on Monday.
Barbie Hsu’s Death at 48
One of Asia's most beloved icons, Barbie Hsu, died while on vacation in Japan. The cause of death was pneumonia after catching influenza.
The news was confirmed by her sister, Dee Hsu, through her agent in a statement:
"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."
The television host and actress also wrote, "I was grateful to be her sister in this life and that we got to care for and spend time with each other. I will always be grateful to her and miss her!"
Her sister did not share further details about the exact date and location of her death. However, her body will be cremated in Japan, and her ashes will be returned to her family in Taiwan.
Hsu is survived by her husband of three years, Koo Jun-yup, also known as "DJ Koo," as well as her 10-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son with her ex-husband, Wang Xiaofei.
According to the BBC, the Taiwanese star had a history of epilepsy and heart disease. She had also been hospitalized several times due to seizures, including one that nearly cost her life when she had her son.
What Barbie Hsu was Known For
Barbie Hsu started her career at 17 alongside her sister, Dee Hsu, as a singer and TV host. The duo quickly rose to fame for their talent, humor, and lively personalities.
But Hsu was not only a well-known actress in Taiwan. She also made a name for herself in other East Asian countries.
After playing the role of Dong Shan Cai in the 2001 romance drama Meteor Garden, she became hugely popular, especially in countries where the series was locally dubbed, such as Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Hsu’s passing at 48 shocked people around the world. However, rumors about her death began circulating after a Facebook post on Monday.
When Hsu’s family did not immediately respond to fans’ concerns, speculation grew. Additionally, her ex-husband, Wang Xiaofei, reportedly changed his profile photo to black on the streaming platform Douyin, which some took as a sign of mourning.
As Hsu’s sister confirmed her death, fans expressed their shock and sadness online, with many offering condolences and prayers for her family on social media.
One user wrote on the Chinese microblogging platform Weibo, “She was only 48 years old… this is too sudden.” Another commented, “This is a little difficult to accept.”
Several celebrities who knew Hsu personally also shared their thoughts on social media.
Jacky Wu, her co-host on the variety show Guess Guess Guess, posted:
"Beauty is envied by the gods. I worked with her for many years. Although we were not close friends, we shared the same stage for a long time. I still feel sorry for her. I feel very sad... I hope she can rest in peace, let go of worldly affairs, and live without worries."
Hsu’s close friend Christine Fan, also known as Fan Fan, shared her grief by posting a black photo on Instagram without a caption.
Her former co-star, Ken Chu, who played Xi Men in Meteor Garden, also posted an all-black photo along with a picture of the show’s cast on his Instagram stories.