Actress and TV personality Barbie “Big S” Hsu passed away on Sunday at the age of 48. Born in Taipei, she was best known for her leading role in 2001 drama Meteor Garden and her energetic TV personality.
Hsu passed away while on a family vacation to Japan. Her tour guide revealed that she had flu-like symptoms for four days prior to Sunday, and was taken to an emergency room by ambulance on January 31. Hsu’s younger sister, Dee “Small S” Hsu, confirmed the passing in a statement to TVBS: “My dearest sister, Barbie, unfortunately left us after getting pneumonia, triggered by influenza. I’m grateful to be her sister in this life. We’ve always accompanied and cared for each other. I will always be grateful to her and miss her dearly.”
Hsu started her career in 1994 with her younger sister in the pop duo S.O.S. (Sisters of Shu). They released eight albums in total. In 1998, S.O.S. got their first big break as hosts for the Taiwanese reality show 100% Entertainment.
During their time at 100% Entertainment, the Hsu sisters built a parasocial relationship with the audience, covering topics ranging from celebrity drama to their personal love lives. The sisters were applauded for their sharp-tongued criticisms and witty personalities. 100% Entertainment became one of the most beloved variety shows in the Mandarin-speaking world, with clips still circulating on short video platforms almost 30 years later.
In 2001, Hsu starred in Meteor Garden as Shancai, a girl who from a poor family who attends a wealthy private school, eventually finding friendship and love. Meteor Garden was one of the most influential TV shows in Asia, achieving fame in the Philippines, Malaysia, and Korea. It also inspired many readaptations and spin offs.
Meteor Garden led the first wave of Taiwanese idol dramas (romantic dramas featuring attractive young men and women). It was followed by other fan favorites such as Secret Garden, The Prince Who Turns into a Frog, and It Started with a Kiss.
In 2021, Hsu divorced businessman Wang Xiaofei after ten years of marriage. She remarried to South Korean DJ Koo Jun-yup the following year. Hsu is survived by two children.
Netizens were shocked by her passing, with discussion of the shocking event dominating trending topics across social media platforms across Asia. In China. Hsu’s longtime friend, television host Aya Liu, said: “When we got together last month, we calculated that we’ve known each other for thirty years…I never thought this would be the last time we got together.”
Cover image via Getty Images
