Iconic star of the beloved TV series passes away following pneumonia complications.

Barbie Hsu, the Taiwanese actress famed for her role in the 2001 TV series Meteor Garden, has tragically passed away at the age of 48 after succumbing to pneumonia, according to reports from local media.

A celebrated figure in the Mandarin-speaking world, Hsu’s popularity spread across Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand, where Meteor Garden was dubbed in local languages.

“I can’t believe it,” one fan commented on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, reflecting the disbelief shared by countless others paying tribute to the late actress.

Hsu is thought to have fallen ill while on vacation in Japan. Her sister, Dee Hsu, confirmed the sad news on Taiwan’s TVBS News, revealing that Barbie had contracted pneumonia, which was triggered by influenza. “During the Lunar New Year, our family went to Japan for a vacation. Unfortunately, my dear sister Barbie has passed away,” Dee stated through her manager.

Known to have had a history of epilepsy and heart issues, Hsu had been hospitalised previously for seizures.

The actress leaves behind her husband, South Korean singer DJ Koo, and two children from her previous marriage to Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei. Hsu and Xiaofei’s marriage lasted for 10 years before their high-profile divorce in 2021.

Who was Barbie Hsu?

Barbie Hsu began her career at 17 alongside her sister Dee as part of a pop duo. They rose to fame as television hosts, well-known for their lively personalities and wit. However, it was her role in Meteor Garden, based on a popular Japanese manga, that propelled her into stardom across Asia.

In the series, Hsu portrayed Shancai, a young woman from a modest background who navigates life at an elite private school, where she becomes involved with the heirs of wealthy families.

Her four male co-stars would go on to form F4, a hugely successful Taiwanese boyband that defined Mandopop in the 2000s.

Following the news of Hsu’s death, F4 member Ken Chu shared a tribute on Instagram, posting a black screen and a group photo with Hsu. He later expressed his shock on Weibo, writing: “What a bolt from the blue.”

After Meteor Garden, Hsu continued to star in popular TV dramas and films, such as Corner With Love and Summer’s Desire. She took a break from acting in 2012 but remained active in reality television.

Aya Liu, a longtime friend and host, shared a heartfelt post on Weibo, recalling their last meeting just a month ago. “I never imagined that would be our last time together,” Liu wrote. “Rest in peace, my beautiful queen.”

On social media, tributes have flooded in from fans around the world. “She was only 48… this is so sudden. It’s hard to accept,” one comment read on Weibo, where Hsu quickly became the top trending topic.

The Enduring Legacy of Meteor Garden

When Meteor Garden first aired in the 2000s, it quickly became a cultural phenomenon, influencing fashion and setting trends across the region. Young women admired Hsu’s portrayal of Shancai, while the male leads of F4 became teenage heartthrobs. The boys’ signature floppy hairstyles were mimicked by young men throughout Southeast Asia and East Asia.

In the Philippines, the series was so beloved that it was aired eight times by a local network to satisfy demand. Pirated copies were sold at street markets, and the show’s theme songs became hits across radio stations.

More than two decades later, Meteor Garden continues to resonate with fans, with various remakes in countries like Japan, South Korea, China, and India, introducing new generations to the iconic story.

Tributes to Hsu have poured in from across social media platforms. A fan on Threads, a popular platform in Taiwan, expressed: “Big S has always been part of my youth.” Another on X wrote: “Meteor Garden raised an entire generation of Asians. Thank you, Barbie Hsu, for bringing Shancai to life.”