Shocking: Barbie Hsu Death Rocks ‘Meteor Garden’ Fans

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The Tragic Loss of a Taiwanese Icon: Barbie Hsu

Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, best known for her role in the hit 2001 television drama Meteor Garden, has died of influenza-related pneumonia. She was 48.

Hsu, who is popularly known as Big S by her fans, died while on vacation with her family in Japan, according to local news reports.

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Early Life and Career in Entertainment

Hsu broke into the industry when as a teenager she formed a pop music group called S.O.S. with her sister Dee Hsu, popularly known as “Xiao S” or “Small S.”

The pair later switched to hosting TV shows and won many young fans.

In 2001, Meteor Garden beamed Barbie Hsu’s name into many households in Asia.

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Meteor Garden and International Success

In the drama, Hsu played a teen from a middle-class family who attends an elite private school.

Her four male co-stars in Meteor Garden would later form the Taiwanese boyband F4, one of the most popular Mandopop groups of the 2000s.

On Monday, F4 member Ken Chu shared a black, empty screen as well as a group photo with Hsu on Instagram.

“What a bolt from the blue,” he wrote on Weibo.

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Diversification and Continued Success

After gaining widespread popularity, she continued to advance her entertainment career through other TV dramas, movies and talk shows.

In recent years, her personal life also made it into the news, in particular her high-profile divorce from Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei.

Her fallout with Wang, their heated exchanges on social media following their divorce in 2021, and their legal battles often made headlines.

She later married Korean musician Koo Jun-yup, also known as “DJ Koo.”

Hsu was passionate about defending animal rights and collaborated with groups including PETA.

“Barbie was one of the first and biggest stars to lend her support to PETA,” read a statement by the organization’s senior vice president, Jason Baker.

“She spoke up countless times for animals, directly urging brands to stop selling fur.”

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Personal Life and Challenges

Hsu is survived by Koo and two children she shares with Wang.

“Thanks for all the concern. Over the Chinese New Year period, our entire family travelled to Japan for a holiday, and my most beloved, kindest elder sister Barbie caught influenza-related pneumonia and has unfortunately left us,” her sister Dee said in a statement shared with Taiwanese media, according to a translation by The Straits Times.

“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.”

High-Profile Divorce and Social Media Feud

In 2021, Hsu’s divorce from Wang Xiaofei sparked a heated social media feud between the two ex-partners.

“This is unbelievable. Her two children, poor kids. May she rest in peace,” wrote one Weibo user in response to the news of Hsu’s passing.

Marriage to Koo Jun-yup and Animal Rights Advocacy

Hsu married Korean musician Koo Jun-yup, also known as “DJ Koo,” in recent years.

Hsu was passionate about defending animal rights and collaborated with groups including PETA.

Reaction and Tributes from Fans and Colleagues

Fans in Taiwan, the Philippines, and elsewhere also paid tribute to her on social media.

Chinese actor Huang Xiaoming, who starred with Hsu in another Taiwanese drama, said he was “in shock and deep grief” over her death.

“I’ve heard that truly brilliant souls are never dimmed by time — they remain vibrant, like bubbles shining in the sun,” Huang said on Weibo.

Stacy Hsu, a Taiwanese celebrity, posted on Facebook that Hsu’s “beauty and intelligence will forever remain in our hearts.”

Analysis and Implications

The impact of social media on celebrity lives cannot be overstated.

The case of Barbie Hsu and her high-profile divorce and social media feud serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health and self-care in the entertainment industry.

The legacy of Barbie Hsu will be remembered for generations to come, and her impact on Asian entertainment will continue to be felt for years to come.

She will be deeply missed by her fans and colleagues alike, but her memory will live on through her incredible body of work and her unwavering dedication to her craft.

As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, it is essential that we prioritize the well-being and mental health of our stars and provide them with the support they need to thrive.

Conclusion

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