Taiwanese actress and singer Barbie Hsu, most known for her role in the 2001 television drama series “Meteor Garden”, passed away on February 2, 2025, at the age of 48. As confirmed by her sister, Dee Hsu, and first reported by Taiwan’s Central News Agency, her death was caused by pneumonia resulting from influenza complications.
Born on October 6, 1976, in Taipei, Taiwan, Hsu began her career in entertainment as part of the pop duo S.O.S. alongside her sister Dee. The duo initially gained popularity in the 1990’s, but it was Hsu’s portrayal of Shan Chai in “Meteor Garden” that was the reason for her rise to stardom globally, but especially in East Asia. The series, which was an adaptation of the Japanese manga “Boys Over Flowers”, and became a cultural phenomenon, which led to the eventual production of a sequel, and solidified Hsu’s status as a leading actress.
Throughout her entertainment career, which spanned multiple decades, Hsu showcased her versatility by taking on diverse roles in both television and film. Notable performances of Hsu include her role in the drama series “Mars”, and the horror film “The Ghost Inside”. She was also a prominent television host and an advocate for animal rights, collaborating with organizations such as PETA.
Her sudden passing has generated an outpour of reactions, and on China’s Weibo platform, news of her death became a top trending topic, reflecting her societal impact. Hsu is survived by her husband, South Korean musician Koo Jun-yup, and her two children from her former marriage to Chinese entrepreneur Wang Xiaofei.