The news sent shockwaves across Asia, particularly in the Philippines where she remained an icon: Barbie Hsu, the beloved Taiwanese actress best known for her unforgettable portrayal of Shan Cai in the phenomenal drama “Meteor Garden,” passed away on February 2, 2025, at the age of 48. Her sudden passing, attributed to complications from pneumonia, has left millions of fans mourning the loss of a star who defined a generation.

Born Hsu Hsi-yuan on October 6, 1976, in Taipei, Taiwan, Barbie grew up in a supportive family alongside her two sisters, including younger sister Dee Hsu, who also became a famous TV host and actress. Showing early talent in music, acting, and hosting, Barbie attended the prestigious Taipei Hwa Kang Arts School, a known incubator for Taiwanese entertainment stars.

Her career began in 1994 as part of the pop duo SOS (Sisters of Sho) with Dee. Their song “10 Minutes of Love” became a hit, though contractual issues later forced them to rename the group ASOS. While music provided her entry, Barbie soon realized her true passion lay in television, particularly hosting and acting.

Her natural charisma, quick wit, and articulate speaking style made her a popular TV host. Alongside Dee, she helmed successful variety shows like “Guess” and the long-running “100% Entertainment.”

Despite her success as a host, Barbie yearned for more and decided to pursue acting seriously—a decision that would irrevocably change her life. After several smaller roles, she landed the part that would make her a household name across Asia: Shan Cai in the 2001 adaptation of the Japanese manga “Boys Over Flowers,” titled “Meteor Garden.”

Many were initially unsure if the bubbly TV host could embody the tenacious, working-class Shan Cai, who defiantly stood up to the arrogant, wealthy F4 boys dominating her elite university. But Barbie’s natural acting talent and fiery personality proved perfect for the role. “Meteor Garden” became an unprecedented cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences in Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and especially the Philippines.

Viewers adored the story of love crossing class divides and Shan Cai’s resilience. Barbie Hsu, as Shan Cai, became an idol for young women—strong, independent, and unwilling to back down. Her on-screen romance with Dao Ming Si, played by Jerry Yan, remains one of the most iconic pairings in Asian drama history. The immense success catapulted Barbie and her F4 co-stars to superstardom.

However, the sudden, intense fame came at a cost. Barbie found herself under immense pressure, with relentless work schedules, constant media scrutiny, and virtually no private life. Her romantic relationships, particularly rumors involving co-star Vic Chou, became tabloid fodder.

Seeking to prove her versatility beyond romantic dramas, she took on more mature roles in series like “Mars” (2004) and “Summer’s Desire” (2010), showcasing her emotional depth.

She also became a recognized fashion and beauty icon, known for her simple yet elegant style. But the pressures of fame continued to mount, exacerbating underlying health issues and leading her to seek a quieter, more private existence. After years of focusing on her career, Barbie began prioritizing her personal life, longing for love and family.

Following rumored relationships with co-stars like Vic Chou and Lan Cheng-lung, and a secret early romance with South Korean singer Koo Jun-yup (DJ Koo), Barbie surprised everyone in October 2010 by announcing her engagement to Wang Xiaofei, a wealthy Chinese businessman. They had known each other for less than 40 days before deciding to marry, sparking skepticism about the relationship’s longevity. They wed in November 2010.

After marrying Wang Xiaofei, Barbie largely stepped away from the entertainment industry, embracing her role as a wife and, soon, a mother. However, the transition wasn’t seamless. Her pregnancies proved difficult due to her frail health.

She gave birth to her daughter, Wang Hsi-yueh, in 2014, and her son, Wang Hsi-lin, in 2016, enduring hospitalizations and complications with both. Motherhood became her focus, but health challenges persisted, including epilepsy and a heart condition (mitral valve prolapse), forcing her to carefully manage her energy and avoid stress.

Despite her efforts, rumors of marital problems surfaced over the years, reportedly exacerbated by the pressures of Wang’s business dealings, long-distance periods, and personal issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. In November 2021, after ten years of marriage, Barbie confirmed their divorce. The split was handled privately, with the couple agreeing to co-parent their two children amicably.

Following the divorce, fate brought an old love back into Barbie’s life. Koo Jun-yup (DJ Koo), her former boyfriend from the late 1990s, heard about her separation. He decided to reach out, remarkably finding her old phone number still active after more than 20 years. They reconnected instantly, feeling as though no time had passed.

Their rekindled romance moved quickly. Still living in South Korea and facing pandemic travel restrictions, DJ Koo proposed to Barbie over the phone. She accepted without hesitation.

They officially married in March 2022, and DJ Koo moved to Taiwan to be with Barbie and her children. She chose to remain out of the showbiz spotlight, focusing on her quiet family life, health, and newfound happiness.

Tragically, this peaceful chapter was cut short. In January 2025, Barbie, DJ Koo, and her children traveled to Japan for the Lunar New Year holiday. While there, Barbie contracted influenza. Due to her compromised immune system and pre-existing health conditions, the illness rapidly worsened into severe pneumonia. Despite doctors’ best efforts, her body could not fight the infection.

On February 2, 2025, Barbie Hsu passed away, surrounded by her loved ones. The news devastated her husband, DJ Koo, who lamented that their two years together felt insufficient to make up for the two decades they spent apart.

Her sister Dee shared an emotional tribute, calling Barbie the “brightest star” in her life. Former “Meteor Garden” co-stars Jerry Yan and Vic Chou expressed their grief, remembering her strength and kindness.

Tributes poured in from across Asia. A planned “Meteor Garden” cast reunion transformed into a memorial. The Taipei Film Festival honored her contributions.

The Barbie Hsu Memorial Fund was established to support patients with epilepsy and related illnesses. Though her time was tragically cut short, Barbie Hsu’s legacy as the resilient Shan Cai, a talented artist, and an inspiration to millions remains indelible.