Taiwanese Star Barbie Hsu Dies at 48 After Flu-Related Illness

Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, a beloved star in the Chinese-speaking entertainment world, has died at the age of 48 due to a flu-related illness, Taiwan’s Central News Agency (CNA) reported Monday, citing her sister.

Hsu, widely known as “Big S,” succumbed to pneumonia after contracting the flu during a family holiday in Japan, her younger sister Dee Hsu revealed in a statement shared by her agent.

“I am grateful that I could be her sister in this life, to take care and accompany each other,” Dee Hsu said. “I will always be grateful to her and miss her.”

Hsu had reportedly been in poor health in recent years, as previously mentioned by her sister on television.

Hsu first gained fame at 17 in the mid-1990s as part of the Mandapop duo S.O.S alongside her sister.

The pair quickly became known for their wit and humor, transitioning successfully into television hosting.

However, it was her lead role in the 2001 hit drama Meteor Garden that made her a household name across Asia.

The series, a Taiwanese adaptation of Boys Over Flowers, saw Hsu play an ordinary girl who falls in love with a wealthy heir, a storyline that captivated millions.

Her on-screen charm and relatability solidified her status as one of the most influential actresses of her generation, earning her legions of devoted fans.

News of Hsu’s passing sent shockwaves across social media, with “Big S passed away” trending as the top topic on China’s Weibo platform, garnering over 1.5 billion views.

“This is really hard to believe,” wrote one fan, whose comment received over 54,000 likes. Another lamented, “It was so sudden, life is too short.”

Her Meteor Garden co-star Ken Chu also expressed his grief, calling her death “a bolt from the blue.”

In 2022, Hsu stepped away from the entertainment industry following her divorce from Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei, a widely followed topic in the media.

She later married Korean rapper Koo Jun-yup, who survives her, along with her two children from her previous marriage.

Hsu’s sudden passing marks the end of an era for many who grew up watching her on screen.

Fans and colleagues continue to pay tribute to her enduring legacy, remembering the warmth and charisma she brought to every role.

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