Meteor Garden Star Barbie Hsu Dies at 48 from Pneumonia

The world of Asian entertainment is mourning the loss of Barbie Hsu, the beloved Taiwanese actress who passed away at the age of 48 after contracting influenza-related pneumonia while on vacation in Japan. Known for her iconic role in Meteor Garden, Barbie was more than just a star—she was a cultural phenomenon whose impact stretched far beyond Taiwan.

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Barbie’s younger sister, Dee Hsu, confirmed the heartbreaking news through a statement to Taiwan’s TVBS News on Monday.

“During the Lunar New Year, our family came to Japan for vacation. My dearest sister Barbie has unfortunately left us after getting pneumonia, triggered by an influenza.”

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She went on to express her deep gratitude for having shared a lifetime with Barbie:

“I’m thankful to be her sister in this lifetime, taking care of each other … I will always be grateful to her and remember her.”

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The news of Barbie’s passing has left fans, fellow actors, and loved ones devastated, with social media flooding with tributes, memories, and heartfelt messages.

Barbie Hsu: A Star That Shined Across Asia

Barbie Hsu first captivated audiences with her role as Shan Cai in the 2001 hit series Meteor Garden, the Taiwanese adaptation of Boys Over Flowers. The show became a cultural sensation, launching the careers of F4 (Jerry Yan, Vic Chou, Ken Chu, and Vanness Wu) and cementing Barbie’s status as one of the most recognizable actresses in the Mandarin-speaking world.

Her fame wasn’t just limited to Taiwan—Meteor Garden was dubbed in multiple languages and found immense popularity in the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and beyond. Barbie quickly became a household name, with fans drawn to her charm, elegance, and natural acting skills.

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Beyond Meteor Garden, she starred in several successful dramas and films, including:

• Mars (2004)
• Summer’s Desire (2010)
• Reign of Assassins (2010)

Her career was marked by versatility, seamlessly transitioning from romantic dramas to action-packed thrillers.

A Life Full of Love and Headlines

Barbie Hsu’s personal life was just as intriguing as her on-screen roles. She was married to Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei from 2011 to 2021, and they shared two children together. Their high-profile divorce made headlines, but it was Barbie’s next move that truly shocked the world.

Just three months after her divorce, she rekindled an old romance and married South Korean musician DJ Koo (Koo Jun-yup) in 2022. The couple’s love story—rekindling a past relationship from 20 years prior—was nothing short of a romantic fairytale.

The Legacy She Leaves Behind

With a career spanning over two decades, Barbie Hsu will forever be remembered as one of the greatest actresses of her generation. She was more than just an actress—she was a fashion icon, a loving mother, and an inspiration to millions.

Her passing leaves a void in the entertainment industry, but her legacy will live on through her timeless performances and the countless hearts she touched.

Rest in peace, Barbie Hsu—your star will forever shine.