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Barbie Hsu, known for her iconic role in Meteor Garden, has passed away at the age of 48.
Her family confirmed that she died due to complications from pneumonia while on vacation in Japan during the Lunar New Year. The news has left fans and the entertainment industry in shock.
Barbie Hsu’s family released an emotional statement about her passing:
"Thank you all for your concern! During the Lunar New Year, our family traveled to Japan. Unfortunately, our dear and kind sister, Xiyuan (Barbie Hsu’s given name), passed away after contracting the flu and pneumonia.
I am grateful that I was able to be her sister through my life, looking after and accompanying each other. I will always be grateful towards you and will miss you!
Shan~ (shortened nickname for Xiyuan) Have a safe journey! I love you forever. together remember forever."
Before the family’s statement, rumors had already been circulating online about a celebrity passing away in Japan. Media outlets attempted to reach out to Hsu’s family for confirmation, but they remained silent. However, her ex-husband, Wang Xiaofei, changed his social media profile picture to black, hinting at a period of mourning.
Hsu and her current husband, South Korean musician DJ Koo (Koo Jun Yup), were last seen at the wedding of Wang Weizhong’s daughter, Wang Ling.
Following the tragic news, DJ Koo briefly spoke to Ilgan Sports, struggling to express his grief.
"I am not okay," he said, holding back his emotions.
Some online speculated that the news could be false, but DJ Koo firmly denied it.
"It is not fake news," he stated.
The couple had been married for just three years after reuniting following a 20-year separation.
Barbie Hsu and DJ Koo first dated between 1998 and 2000, but his agency at the time forbade him from having a relationship, forcing them to break up.
After Hsu divorced Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei in 2021, DJ Koo reached out to her. To his surprise, she still had the same phone number from 20 years ago. Their reunion was swift, and in March 2022, they got married.
DJ Koo previously shared their love story, saying:
"After hearing about her divorce, I found her number from 20 years ago and contacted her. Luckily, her number was the same and we were able to connect again. Because so much time had already passed, I decided I couldn’t waste any more time and asked her to marry me. She agreed and we have decided to live together after signing a marriage certificate. As this is a late marriage, I hope that everyone can support and congratulate us. Thank you."
Hsu gained massive popularity through her role as Shan Cai in Meteor Garden, a drama that became a cultural phenomenon across Asia. Her acting career spanned decades, and she was admired not just for her work but for her strong personality and dedication to her craft.
Her sudden passing has left fans mourning a beloved actress whose work shaped many childhoods. While tributes pour in, her family and husband continue to grieve privately.
Rest in peace, Barbie Hsu.