Heartbreaker

Ayra Wang

Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu - known as "Big S" and who gained fame across Asia for her role on the hit television show Meteor Garden - has passed away at the age of 48 after contracting a respiratory illness during a family trip to Japan during the Lunar New Year, her family said.

Her sister, Dee Hsu, confirmed the heartbreaking news through her manager yesterday, revealing that the star succumbed to complications from influenza and pneumonia.

"My most beloved and kindest sister has unfortunately left us. I am grateful to have been her sister, as we were always together and cared for each other. Please rest in peace. Love you forever and miss you," she said.

Reports indicated that her body will be cremated in Japan before her ashes are transported to Taiwan. Arrangements for a farewell ceremony are still being discussed. In a statement relayed through family friend and Taiwanese television producer Wang Wei-zhong, Hsu's mother expressed their sorrow and requested privacy during this difficult time.

"I ask all media friends to fulfill one last wish of my daughter: please do not chase, follow or take photos when we bring her back home. This was her wish."

Some reports suggested that the cause of Hsu's death was sepsis.

Wilson Lam Wai-shun, a specialist in infectious diseases, said sepsis occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to organ failure. It is less commonly directly caused by the influenza virus.

Lam speculated Hsu developed pneumonia after contracting the flu, and the pneumonia bacteria triggered sepsis. He added: "I suspect it was most likely streptococcus."

Hsu was days away from celebrating her third wedding anniversary with her "first love," South Korean DJ and singer Koo Jun Yup, whom she married in 2022 after her divorce from Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei.

Hsu and Koo dated in 1998, but they were forced to break up by Koo's agency.

Hsu married Wang in 2011 and had two children - a 10-year-old daughter and an eight-year-old son. Their divorce was finalized in 2021.

Wang, who was vacationing in Thailand, is said to have flown to Taiwan after hearing the news.

South Korean media said Koo is deeply saddened by Hsu's passing.

According to Taiwanese sources, Hsu passed away on Sunday morning in a Tokyo hospital, surrounded by Koo, her two children, her sister, her mother, and other loved ones.

A tour guide on their trip said Hsu exhibited symptoms such as coughing and appeared to be suffering from asthma upon arriving in Hakone last Wednesday.

On Friday, an ambulance was called as her condition worsened. She was initially diagnosed with influenza A but was taken back to their hotel in Hakone before being transported to Tokyo, where her health rapidly declined. She was declared dead at 7am on Sunday.

Hsu was born in Taipei in 1976 and debuted alongside her sister Dee as the pop duo SOS when she was just 17. They cohosted popular shows, such as Guess Guess Guess and 100% Entertainment.

She pupularity shot up across Asia through her leading role in the TV series Meteor Garden in 2001, which was adapted from Japanese manga Boys Over Flowers.

The show was dubbed in several languages, allowing Hsu to become famous even in non-Chinese-speaking countries.

Throughout her life, Hsu faced various health challenges, including mitral valve prolapse and multiple seizures, as well as struggles with depression and an eating disorder.

In 2016, she experienced a near-death situation during childbirth due to a seizure and had also endured two miscarriages.

In a 2018 interview, she reflected on her experiences, saying: "You never know when life will end, so I'm no longer afraid of death."

ayra.wang@singtaonewscorp.com