TAIPEI – Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, best known for her role in the hit 2001 drama Meteor Garden, has passed away at the age of 48 due to influenza-induced pneumonia, her sister confirmed on Monday.
Hsu, affectionately known as “Big S,” became unwell while on a family vacation in Japan, according to her sister Dee Hsu. The news instantly became the most popular search subject on China’s Weibo social media network.
“My dearest and most kindhearted sister Barbie Hsu has passed away due to complications from influenza,” Dee, also known as “Little S,” said in a statement. “I am grateful to have been her sister in this lifetime, to have cared for her and shared so many memories. I will cherish her forever.”
Hsu rose to prominence as the lead in Meteor Garden, a drama that grabbed audiences throughout East Asia, after first becoming known as part of the pop duo S.O.S with her sister.
She was married to South Korean musician Koo Jun-yup, also known as DJ Koo, for nearly three years following her divorce from Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei, whom she was married to for 11 years. She leaves behind two children.