Barbie Hsu has tragically died at the age of 48

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Barbie Hsu – beloved for her iconic role in the 2001 drama Meteor Garden – has passed away at the age of 48 due to influenza-related pneumonia.

Barbie Hsu has sadly died at the age of 48. Credit: Visual China Group via Getty Images

Hsu – affectionately known as Big S by her fans – was reportedly on vacation in Japan with her family when she fell ill, according to local news reports.

Sister Dee Hsu Shares Emotional Tribute

Her younger sister, Dee Hsu, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement shared with Taiwanese media.

“Thanks for all the concern. Over the Chinese New Year period, our entire family traveled to Japan for a holiday, and my most beloved, kindest elder sister Barbie caught influenza-related pneumonia and has unfortunately left us,” the state read.

The actress’ younger sister, Dee, confirmed the news. Credit: TPG/Getty Images

Dee expressed gratitude for their years together, saying: “I am thankful to be her sister in this life, and grateful that we have taken care of each other and kept each other company all these years.

“I will always be thankful to her and remember her. Shan (Barbie Hsu’s nickname), rest in peace. We love you always. Together, remember forever.”

The Meteor Garden Legacy

Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu first rose to fame as a teen pop star alongside her sister in the duo SOS, but it was her career-defining role as Shancai in Meteor Garden that cemented her status as an Asian superstar.

The 2001 Taiwanese adaptation of the hit Japanese manga Boys Over Flowers became a massive cultural phenomenon, dominating screens not only in Taiwan and Hong Kong but also in countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, South Korea, and Thailand.

Barbie Hsu. Credit: TPG/Getty Images

Hsu played Shancai, a strong-willed, middle-class girl who finds herself at an elite private school where she clashes — and eventually falls in love — with the wealthy and arrogant Dao Ming Si (played by Jerry Yan). The show’s success also led to the formation of the F4 boy band, made up of her co-stars Jerry Yan, Vanness Wu, Ken Chu, and Vic Chou.

Hsu later expanded her acting career with roles in TV dramas like Mars (2004) and films like the horror-thriller The Ghost Inside (2005) and action film Connected (2008), a remake of the Hollywood thriller Cellular.

Heartfelt Tributes from Friends and Fans

Hsu’s Meteor Garden co-star Ken Chu shared his grief by posting a black screen on Instagram Stories, followed by a throwback cast photo. He also reportedly wrote on Weibo: “What a bolt from the blue.”

Taiwanese actress and TV host Aya Liu also paid tribute, revealing that she had only just met up with Hsu just last month.

Fans knew the actress as “Big S”. Credit: Shang Hongtao/VCG via Getty Images

“I didn’t think that would be our last gathering. Rest in peace, the most beautiful queen,” she wrote on Weibo.

Fans worldwide have been mourning her passing, with many crediting her for shaping an entire generation of Asian pop culture.

“Meteor Garden raised an entire generation of Asians. Shancai’s character served as a blueprint for female fictional movie/book characters later on. Thank you Barbie Hsu for giving life to Shancai and showing little girls that we could kick ass too. May you RIP,” one fan wrote.

Another tribute read: “Here’s the beautiful and talented Barbie Hsu who raised an entire generation with her skill and dedication. Rest in peace, my lovely.”

Another wrote: “Our original shan cai, you will always be loved & remembered.”

One fan even shared a nostalgic video of Hsu’s arrival in the Philippines at the height of her fame, calling her an “icon” and a “cultural phenomenon”.

Family and Personal Life

Hsu was married to South Korean rapper Koo Jun Yup, professionally known as DJ Koo, for nearly three years. She is also survived by her two children — a 10-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son — from her previous marriage to Chinese entrepreneur Wang Xiaofei, whom she was with for 11 years.