Manila – Barbie Hsu, beloved Taiwanese actress known for her role in Meteor Garden, has passed away at 48 due to pneumonia after contracting influenza during the Lunar New Year holiday, her sister Dee Hsu confirmed Monday.
Hsu was on a family trip to Japan when she succumbed to influenza-induced pneumonia. Dee expressed deep sorrow, saying she will always cherish their time together.
The actress rose to fame in 2001 with her portrayal of Dong Shancai in Meteor Garden, the Taiwanese adaptation of Boys Over Flowers, where she starred alongside F4 members Jerry Yan, Vic Chou, Ken Chu, and Vanness Wu.
She also starred in Mars (2004) with Chou, Corner with Love (2007), and Summer’s Desire (2010).
Hsu stopped acting after her first marriage in 2011 but remained active in variety shows and advertisements.
She is survived by her husband, South Korean DJ Koo Jun-yup, and her two children from ex-husband Wang Xiaofei.