Illustration: Reports have emerged of multiple people in Nanjing contracting influenza A ("H1N1") and subsequently experiencing paralysis, drawing widespread attention. (Screenshot from video compilation)
[People News] Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu (stage name: Da S) rose to fame across East Asia for her role as the female lead "Shan Cai" in the 2001 Taiwanese drama Meteor Garden. On Monday (February 3), her family confirmed that she had passed away in Japan due to pneumonia complications from influenza while traveling. She was 48 years old.
According to Voice of America, Barbie Hsu's younger sister, Dee Hsu (stage name: Xiao S), confirmed the news of her passing through her agent.
In a statement, Xiao S wrote: "Thank you all for your concern! Our entire family traveled to Japan for the New Year holiday. My dearest and kindest sister, Xi Yuan, unfortunately left us due to influenza complicated by pneumonia."
"I am grateful to have been her sister in this lifetime. We cared for and accompanied each other. I will always be thankful for her and cherish her memory! Shan (Barbie Hsu’s childhood nickname) ~ Rest in peace! I will love you forever. Together, remember forever."
Barbie Hsu and Dee Hsu originally debuted as members of the Taiwanese girl group S.O.S. While Xiao S became well-known as a TV host in both Taiwan and China, Da S solidified her popularity in the Asian entertainment industry through numerous idol dramas and films.
In 2021, Barbie Hsu ended her 11-year marriage with Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei. They shared custody of their son and daughter. In 2022, she married South Korean rapper DJ Koo (real name: Koo Jun-yeop), and they had been together for nearly three years. DJ Koo and Barbie Hsu had briefly dated over 20 years ago and reconnected during the COVID-19 pandemic, eventually rekindling their romance and getting married, a love story widely celebrated at the time.
DJ Koo confirmed the news to South Korean media, stating, "This is not fake news," and added, "I am not doing well." Meanwhile, Barbie Hsu’s ex-husband Wang Xiaofei arrived in Taiwan on Monday evening, reportedly seeking custody of their children.
Social Media Reacts to Barbie Hsu’s Death, Chinese Media Highlights Japan’s Influenza Severity
On Monday morning, as soon as Barbie Hsu’s passing was confirmed, the headline “Barbie Hsu Passed Away” immediately topped the trending list on China’s social media platform Weibo, sparking widespread discussion and condolences from netizens.
A timeline of events, allegedly leaked by a tour guide, detailing Barbie Hsu’s illness and passing, went viral on Weibo.
According to the leak, when Barbie Hsu and her group arrived in Hakone, Japan, on January 29, she was already experiencing coughing and asthma symptoms. From January 30 to 31, her condition persisted, and on the 31st, she was taken to the hospital by ambulance but was sent back shortly after. The tour guide speculated that her condition was already quite severe at the time. According to the circulated information, on February 1, the family traveled to Tokyo, but Barbie Hsu did not seek further treatment at a major hospital there. Her condition worsened at midnight, requiring emergency hospitalization, and she passed away on the morning of February 2.
The tour guide reportedly stated: “If she had taken it seriously and sought proper medical attention, Barbie Hsu would not have died!”
In addition to covering Barbie Hsu’s death, Chinese media heavily reported on the severity of influenza in Japan. A discussion thread titled “Under normal circumstances, the fatality rate of influenza is not high” also trended on Weibo. Chinese state media CCTV reported that since Japan saw a record-high number of flu cases in late December, some hospitals and pharmacies have experienced shortages of flu medication.
According to data released by Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases on January 31, an estimated 9.523 million influenza cases were recorded in Japan from September 2, 2024, to January 26, 2025.
Celebrities from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan Express Condolences
Chinese actor Huang Xiaoming, who starred alongside Barbie Hsu in the TV drama Summer’s Desire, wrote on Weibo: “I am still in shock and grief, unable to accept this devastating news. It’s truly heartbreaking… Her kindness, her loyalty, and how she always stood up for me like a heroine—I will always be grateful.”
Chinese actor Hu Bing also posted on Weibo: “I really can’t believe it. How could it be you? In my memory, you were always so clear-headed and independent… I don’t want to believe it! I don’t want to say goodbye! You will always be our Shan Cai, our little princess!”
Even Xiaomi’s founder, chairman, and CEO Lei Jun posted "RIP" on Weibo.
Andy Lau, who co-starred with Barbie Hsu in the film Future X-Cops, stated: “May she rest in peace, and may her family find solace.”
Jerry Yan, who played Dao Ming Si in Meteor Garden, expressed through his agent: “Thank you for letting me meet you.” Ken Chu, another Meteor Garden co-star, was one of the first to react, writing on Weibo: “A bolt from the blue.”
Taiwanese celebrities Lin Chi-ling, Shu Qi, Alyssa Chia, Blackie Chen, and FanFan all posted tributes, wishing Barbie Hsu a peaceful journey.
Barbie Hsu’s close friend Pace Wu, who witnessed her final moments, tearfully stated: “Sending off the best friend I’ve ever had in my life is truly heartbreaking. I will always remember her kindness and beauty. I will never forget how she always ended our calls by telling me she loved me.”
Veteran Taiwanese TV producer and Barbie Hsu’s former manager Wang Wei-chung relayed a statement from Barbie Hsu’s mother, thanking everyone for their concern. In her statement, Mrs. Hsu requested that when the family returns to Taiwan, journalists refrain from chasing them at the airport or on the streets, as it was “Xi Yuan’s last wish.”
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