Barbie Hsu, the Taiwanese actress best known for her iconic role as Shancai in Meteor Garden, has passed away at the age of 48 due to pneumonia caused by influenza complications
Her sister, Dee Hsu, confirmed the heartbreaking news through Hsu’s agent on Monday, February 3. According to reports from Focus Taiwan, Barbie contracted influenza-induced pneumonia while on a family trip to Japan.
“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,” Dee shared in a statement. She expressed gratitude for the time they spent together, saying, “I was grateful to be her sister in this life… I will always be grateful to her and miss her.”
Barbie is survived by her husband, South Korean singer and DJ Koo Jun-yup, and her two children—a 10-year-old daughter and an eight-year-old son—from her previous marriage to Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei.
Born Hsu Hsi-yuan, Barbie captivated audiences with her role in Meteor Garden, the Taiwanese adaptation of the Japanese manga Hana Yori Dango. She starred alongside Jerry Yan, Vic Chou, Ken Chu, and Vanness Wu, who later formed the popular boy band F4.
Beyond Meteor Garden, Barbie’s acting credits include Meteor Garden II, Eternity: A Chinese Ghost Story, Corner With Love, Mars, On His Majesty’s Secret Service, and Future X-Cops.