Barbie Hsu, renowned 'Meteor Garden' actress, dies aged 48

Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, best known for her role in the iconic idol drama Meteor Garden (2001), has tragically passed away at the age of 48. The news was confirmed by her family on February 3, 2025, through a statement sent to Taiwanese media by the manager of her younger sister, Dee Hsu, a popular TV host in Taiwan.

The statement, written primarily in Chinese, revealed that Hsu was traveling with her family in Japan during the Chinese New Year when she contracted influenza-related pneumonia. The statement read, “Over the Chinese New Year period, our entire family traveled to Japan for a holiday, and my most beloved, kindest elder sister Barbie caught influenza-related pneumonia and has unfortunately left us."

Hsu’s family did not disclose the exact time or location of her death. Sources indicate that the family remains in Japan, where Hsu will likely be cremated before her remains are returned to Taiwan.

The tragic news sparked rumors online, especially after a Facebook post on February 2 mentioned a Taiwanese celebrity married to a foreigner who had passed away at 48. Though Hsu had appeared healthy in recent public appearances, including at a family event on January 25, the rumors soon gained traction.

Hsu, who leaves behind two children from her previous marriage to Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei, is survived by her sister Dee and mother. Hsu married South Korean musician Koo Jun-yup in 2022.