TAIPEI β Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, widely recognized for her iconic role in the 2001 drama Meteor Garden, has tragically passed away at the age of 48 due to complications from influenza-induced pneumonia, her sister confirmed on Monday.
Hsu, affectionately known as βBig S,β fell ill during a family vacation in Japan, as reported by her sister, Dee Hsu. The heartbreaking news quickly became the top trending topic on Chinaβs Weibo social media platform.
In a heartfelt statement, Dee, also known as βLittle S,β shared, βMy dearest and most kindhearted sister Barbie Hsu has passed away due to complications from influenza. I am grateful to have been her sister in this lifetime, to have cared for her, and to have shared so many memories. I will cherish her forever.β
Barbie Hsu rose to stardom as the leading lady in Meteor Garden, a drama that captivated audiences across East Asia, after first gaining attention as part of the pop duo S.O.S alongside her sister.
She was married to South Korean musician Koo Jun-yup, known as DJ Koo, for nearly three years following her divorce from Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei after 11 years of marriage. Hsu leaves behind two children.
