Arrangements over Barbie Hsu children and estate 'settled'

Ayra Wang

The estate and child-custody arrangements of late Taiwanese celebrity Barbie Hsu - widely known as Big S - have reportedly been finalized following her shocking death in Japan last month.

The distribution of her estimated NT$600 million (HK$141.72 million) estate and the guardianship of her two children have been resolved in line with local law, bringing an end to weeks of speculation about a potential legal battle, Taiwan media reported.

Hsu's estate will be divided between husband Koo Jun Yup, a South Korean DJ and singer, and her two children from her previous marriage to Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei.

Since the children are minors - a 10-year-old daughter and an eight-year-old son - their inheritance will be managed by Wang until they turn 18.

Wang reportedly has no immediate plans to take the children to Beijing, where he currently resides.

Earlier, Hsu's mother, Huang Chunmei, sparked speculation with a cryptic social media post that said: "I don't believe justice cannot be restored and I'm heading to the battlefield and please cheer me on!"

However, Taiwanese media have since reported that both parties have reached a "peaceful agreement" in compliance with Taiwanese legal provisions.

Under Taiwanese civil law, Hsu's two children are entitled to two-thirds of her estate while the remaining third goes to Koo. As the legal guardian of the children, Wang will manage their inheritance until they reach adulthood. This part has raised questions about Wang's influence over a significant portion of Hsu's estate.

Wang is said to be embroiled in a divorce-related lawsuit with Hsu's estate. Reports said he owes NT$250 million in unpaid mortgage and loans tied to Hsu's former residence in Taipei's upscale Xinyi district.

Wang's recent visit to Taiwan was reportedly aimed at addressing these financial and legal issues.

Wang was recently spotted visiting a temple in Taipei with his daughter and his current partner, key opinion leader Mandy Ma. Witnesses said the girl held Ma's hand, suggesting a harmonious relationship.

Hsu, a household name in Taiwan and across Asia, passed away due to complications from influenza and pneumonia in a family trip in Japan in February.

Her marriage to Wang ended in a highly publicized divorce in 2021 and was followed by her swift remarriage to Koo, her ex-boyfriend from the 1990s.

ayra.wang@singtaonewscorp.com