Taiwanese Actress Barbie Hsu Passes Away in Japan, Leaving Heartbroken Family and Friends

Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, best known for her captivating love story with Koo Jun Yup, tragically passed away during a trip to Japan. The reported cause of death was acute pneumonia, a complication from influenza.

Barbie Hsu’s husband, Koo Jun Yup, stayed by her side until her final moments.

On Monday, Barbie Hsu’s close friend, Chen Chien Chou, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media.

Chen Chien Chou recounted, “Upon hearing the devastating news, I immediately took the Shinkansen to be with her. She looked so peaceful, as though she were just sleeping. My heart shattered, but I knew I had to let her go. No matter how much I cried, I couldn’t wake her from her eternal sleep.”

She added, “In a heart-wrenching moment, Koo Jun Yup shared one last deep kiss with her. His anguished sobs tore through our hearts.”

Chen Chien Chou continued, “I miss you so much. Didn’t we plan to meet at my house after the Lunar New Year? Barbie Hsu’s sudden passing is impossible for her family and friends to accept. We are all devastated. Please give her family the time and space they need to mourn.”

Taiwanese film producer Wei Chung Wang, a close friend of Barbie Hsu and her family, also shared a photo from a recent dinner gathering with the couple.

According to Now News in Taiwan, Barbie Hsu had visited the hospital four times during her trip to Japan. She arrived on January 29, reportedly already showing symptoms of a cold.

On the night of January 31, she was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. Later, she was diagnosed with the flu and revisited the hospital. The medical staff recommended transferring her to a larger facility. However, Barbie Hsu felt better after taking prescribed medication and chose not to pursue further treatment.

Sadly, her condition worsened rapidly in the early morning hours. She was rushed to the hospital once again, where she passed away on Sunday morning, surrounded by her grieving family.

The cremation process has been completed in Japan, and her family is reportedly preparing to bring her remains back to Taiwan.

Barbie Hsu first gained fame in 1994 as part of the popular Taiwanese music duo SOS alongside her sister Dee Hsu. After a dispute with their agency, the group changed its name to ASOS and continued performing until 2003.

Her career reached new heights in 2001 when she starred as the lead in Meteor Garden, the Taiwanese adaptation of Boys Over Flowers. 

In 2011, Barbie married Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei, and the couple had two children, a son and a daughter. However, they divorced in 2021.

In a twist of fate, Barbie Hsu later reunited with her former partner, Koo Jun Yup, whom she had first met in 1998. After rekindling their romance, they officially registered their marriage in 2022, becoming a couple once again.