Taiwanese Star Barbie Hsu Dies at 48 After Pneumonia Battle

Taiwanese Star Barbie Hsu Dies at 48 After Pneumonia Battle

Taiwanese Star Barbie Hsu Dies at 48 After Pneumonia Battle

Barbie Hsu, the Taiwanese actress and singer, passed away at the age of 48, leaving behind a legacy that touched millions of fans across Asia and beyond. Best known for her role as Shancai in the hit Taiwanese drama Meteor Garden , Hsu’s unexpected death has shocked the entertainment world. She succumbed to pneumonia, which was reportedly triggered by influenza during a family vacation to Japan over the Lunar New Year.

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Born on October 6, 1976, in Taipei, Taiwan, Barbie Hsu began her career in the entertainment industry as part of the pop duo SOS with her younger sister, Dee Hsu, in 1994. Later, the duo changed their name to ASOS due to contractual conflicts. Despite their musical success, it was Hsu's transition to acting that would make her a household name. Her breakthrough came in 2001 when she starred in Meteor Garden , a TV adaptation of a popular Japanese manga. The series became a massive hit in the Mandarin-speaking world, gaining fans across the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and beyond. Barbie’s portrayal of Shancai, a strong-willed teenager who navigates life at an elite school while falling in love with a wealthy heir, became iconic.

The show was dubbed into multiple languages, and it quickly became a cultural phenomenon, especially in countries where Mandarin was not widely spoken. Meteor Garden ’s popularity resulted in numerous remakes, proving the lasting impact of the story and Barbie's beloved performance. The show also helped propel the careers of her co-stars, forming the successful Taiwanese boyband F4, which went on to dominate the Mandopop scene in the 2000s.

Barbie Hsu’s sudden death has left fans and colleagues heartbroken. Her sister Dee Hsu confirmed the news, revealing that Barbie had fallen ill while in Japan. "Our family came to Japan for a vacation, and my dearest sister Barbie has unfortunately left us after getting pneumonia, triggered by influenza," Dee said in a statement. The news has sent shockwaves through the entertainment community, with many expressing their disbelief. Fans on platforms like Weibo have been paying tribute to the star, remembering her as an inspiration and a cherished figure in Asian entertainment.

Barbie Hsu had a history of health issues, including epilepsy and heart disease, which she had bravely dealt with over the years. She leaves behind her second husband, South Korean DJ Koo, whom she married in 2022, and her two children from a previous marriage to Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei. Her passing marks the end of an era for many fans who grew up watching Meteor Garden and admiring her career. Though she is gone, Barbie Hsu’s influence on Asian pop culture will not soon be forgotten.

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