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Taiwanese actress, singer, and television host Barbie Hsu (Xu Xiyuan) has tragically passed away at the age of 48 due to pneumonia caused by influenza complications. The news, first circulated as an unconfirmed rumor, was later verified by her family and close associates, shocking fans and the entertainment industry alike.
On February 3, Taiwanese media reported that Hsu had fallen ill while traveling in Japan and succumbed to flu-related pneumonia. Her younger sister, Dee Hsu (Xu Xidi), through her management team, later confirmed the heartbreaking news. The production team of the iconic Taiwanese talk show Kangxi Lai Le (Kangxi Is Coming), which Barbie Hsu had frequently appeared on, also released a statement expressing their condolences.
The news of Hsu’s passing quickly became a trending topic on Chinese and international social media platforms. Hashtags such as #BarbieHsuPassedAway and #InfluenzaInJapan dominated discussions on Weibo, Xiaohongshu, Douyin, and Baidu, highlighting the widespread shock and sorrow over her untimely death.
Born on October 6, 1976, Barbie Hsu first rose to prominence in the 1990s as a singer. Along with her younger sister Dee Hsu, she formed the pop duo ASOS in 1993, officially stepping into the entertainment industry.
However, it was her transition to acting that cemented her place as a household name. In 2001, Hsu starred as the lead character, Shan Cai, in Meteor Garden, the Taiwanese adaptation of Boys Over Flowers. The drama, which depicted an ordinary girl entangled in a romance with wealthy students, became a massive hit across Asia, skyrocketing Hsu’s popularity.
Following Meteor Garden, Hsu continued her acting career with notable roles in dramas such as Corner With Love and Summer’s Desire, as well as films like Connected, Kung Fu Chefs, and Reign of Assassins. Besides acting, she was a beloved TV host, co-hosting Guess Guess Guess and 100% Entertainment, where her charismatic and witty presence won over audiences.
Hsu also delved into writing and lifestyle branding, authoring books on beauty and wellness, including The Beauty Queen series, where she shared skincare and fashion tips with fans.
News of Barbie Hsu’s death has sent shockwaves throughout the entertainment world. Celebrities, co-stars, and close friends have taken to social media to mourn her passing.
Actor Huang Xiaoming, who worked with Hsu in Summer’s Desire, wrote: “Her eyes always shone brightly, full of resilience and determination. She was a strong and kind-hearted soul. I will always remember her strength and warmth.”
Longtime friend and television host Aya Liu posted a heartfelt message: “We were just reminiscing about our 30-year friendship last month. We promised to meet more often, but I never imagined it would be our last gathering. Your departure leaves a deep wound in my heart. Rest in peace, my dearest friend.”
Meteor Garden co-star Ken Zhu also expressed his grief, calling Hsu’s passing a “heartbreaking loss” and reminiscing about their shared experiences filming the iconic series. Other celebrities, including Lin Chi-ling, Jacky Wu, Blackie Chen, and Barbie Hsu’s former husband Wang Xiaofei, also shared their condolences.
Beyond her career, Hsu’s personal life often made headlines. In 2011, she married Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei, with whom she had two children. The couple divorced in 2021 after a decade of marriage. Just months later, in a surprising turn of events, Hsu rekindled her romance with her former boyfriend, South Korean musician DJ Koo (Koo Jun-yup), and the two tied the knot in early 2022.
Throughout her life, Hsu was known for her straightforward personality and fearless approach to love and career. In a past interview, she once said, “I live with no regrets. If I love someone, I love them completely. If I decide to move on, I never look back.”
Her tumultuous personal life, from whirlwind romances to public feuds, often made her a controversial figure. Yet, her resilience and refusal to conform to societal expectations earned her a dedicated following. Many admired her as a woman who lived life on her own terms, unafraid to take risks both in love and career.
Rest in peace, Barbie Hsu. Your light will never fade.
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