Taiwan is heartbroken over the loss of one of its most cherished stars. Barbie Hsu, an actress known for her unforgettable performances and powerful presence, has died at the age of 48. Her passing has left a deep impact on fans and the entertainment world alike.
Barbie Hsu, who was widely recognized by her stage name “Big S,” gained widespread fame in the early 2000s after starring in the immensely popular drama Meteor Garden. Her portrayal of the character Shancai captured the hearts of viewers and quickly made her a household name. The series, with its modern take on the Cinderella story, was a major success not only in Taiwan but also in countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand. It was dubbed in many languages and became a cultural sensation throughout Asia.
With the popularity of Meteor Garden, Barbie Hsu’s fame soared, earning her a place among the biggest stars in the Mandarin-speaking world. Her influence was recognized in 2010 when she was ranked 33rd on the Forbes China Celebrity 100 list.
News of her passing started spreading on social media on February 2. Rumors grew when her ex-husband, Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei, changed his profile picture to black. The heartbreaking truth was later confirmed by her younger sister, Dee Hsu, who shared that Barbie died of flu-related pneumonia while the family was traveling in Japan for the Lunar New Year holiday.
In a statement to TVBS News, Dee Hsu expressed her gratitude for the concern from fans and confirmed the tragic news. Although the exact time and location of Barbie’s death were not shared, television producer Wang Wei-chung, a close family friend, confirmed that the family remains in Japan and is working to bring her back home.
Barbie’s journey into the spotlight began when she was just 17. She formed a pop duo with her sister Dee, and their popularity soon led them to hosting television shows. But it was her acting role in Meteor Garden that truly defined her career and left a lasting impression on fans around the world.
In recent years, Barbie Hsu had stepped away from the public eye, taking on fewer roles. Her final known work was as a voice actress for the Taiwanese dub of Pixar’s Incredibles 2 in 2018. Despite her quieter presence, she remained close with friends and loved ones. Host and longtime friend Aya Liu shared on Weibo that she had just seen Barbie at a recent get-together, where they promised to see each other more often. “I didn’t think that would be our last gathering,” she wrote. “Rest in peace, the most beautiful queen.”
As news of her death spread, social media was flooded with tributes from fans remembering how Barbie Hsu had touched their lives. One user posted, “Big S has always been a part of my youth,” while another wrote, “Meteor Garden raised an entire generation of Asians. Thank you Barbie Hsu for giving life to Shancai.”
Reports from the BBC note that Barbie had a history of health issues, including epilepsy and heart problems. She had faced multiple hospitalizations over the years and even endured serious complications during the birth of one of her children.
She leaves behind her husband, South Korean musician DJ Koo, with whom she was about to celebrate their third wedding anniversary. Barbie also had two children from her previous marriage to Wang Xiaofei—a daughter, aged 10, and a son, aged 8.
Barbie Hsu’s life was one of beauty, talent, and dedication. Though she passed too soon, her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her and through the characters she brought to life on screen. Her legacy as an icon of Taiwanese drama and a beloved figure in Asian pop culture will continue to shine brightly for years to come.
