Renowned Taiwanese Actress Barbie Hsu Passes Away at 48 Due to Influenza

Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu attends a photocall for [Taiwanese director Chao-Pin Su's]

TAIPEI (Reuters) – Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, widely celebrated across East Asia for her iconic role as the romantic lead in the 2001 television drama Meteor Garden, has passed away at the age of 48 due to complications from influenza. The news was confirmed by her sister, Dee Hsu, on Monday.

Known affectionately by her nickname “Big S,” Hsu tragically succumbed to influenza-induced pneumonia while on a family holiday in Japan. The announcement quickly became the top-trending topic on China’s Weibo microblogging platform, reflecting her enduring popularity and the profound impact of her loss.

In a heartfelt statement, Dee Hsu, referred to as “Little S,” expressed her grief: “My dearest and most kindhearted sister, Barbie Hsu, passed away due to influenza-induced pneumonia and has sadly left us. I am eternally grateful to have been her sister in this life, to have shared such a deep bond, and to have cared for and cherished each other. I will always hold her in my heart and miss her dearly.”

Barbie Hsu first rose to prominence as part of the pop duo S.O.S. alongside her sister. However, it was her starring role in the beloved Taiwanese series Meteor Garden that solidified her status as a household name across East Asia.

Hsu’s personal life also drew significant public attention. She was married to Korean rapper Koo Jun-yup, known as “DJ Koo,” for nearly three years, following an 11-year marriage to Chinese entrepreneur Wang Xiaofei. She is survived by her two children.

Barbie Hsu’s legacy as a talented actress and beloved public figure will continue to resonate with fans and admirers across the region.