The ashes of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu (徐熙媛) were brought back to Taiwan on Wednesday, 5 February, following her death from influenza-induced pneumonia in Japan during the Lunar New Year holidays.
According to a statement issued by her family, the late 48-year-old TV star’s remains arrived aboard a private jet at Taipei Songshan Airport around 3 p.m.
Addressing reporters who gathered at the airport in the cold, the family expressed their gratitude for the media’s patience.
The statement read, “(We) appreciate friends working in the media for waiting in the cold weather,” before adding, “She has safely returned home. (We) believe she is right now happy and carefree up there.”
The family also announced that they would not be holding a public funeral, citing Hsu’s desire for privacy. “She always preferred to keep a low profile,” the statement explained.
Instead, they encouraged her admirers to keep her in their thoughts. “If you miss her, keep her in mind. We are grateful for the love you feel for her.”
Hsu’s younger sister, TV presenter Dee Hsu (徐熙娣), had confirmed the actress’s death in a separate statement released on Monday (3 Feb).
No exact date of death was disclosed, but it was confirmed that she passed away during a family trip in Japan over the Lunar New Year celebrations.
Hsu was a beloved figure in Taiwanese entertainment, rising to fame through her role in the 2001 hit TV series Meteor Garden, where she played the lead role of Shan Cai.
The series catapulted her to pan-Asian stardom, earning her fans across Taiwan, China, Japan, and South Korea. Throughout her career, she remained a key presence in both drama and variety television.
Known for her elegance and grace on screen, Hsu was also a figure who maintained a relatively private personal life. Her decision to keep a low public profile extended to how her family is now handling her passing, reflecting her reserved nature.
News of Hsu’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow entertainers across Asia. Many have taken to social media to share their condolences and memories of her iconic roles.
Taiwanese actors and media personalities, including her former Meteor Garden co-stars, posted tributes reflecting on her contributions to the region’s entertainment industry.
The circumstances of her death highlight the severity of influenza-related complications, particularly pneumonia, which can escalate rapidly.
Though no specific details have been disclosed about her condition leading up to her death, health experts have recently emphasised the importance of monitoring flu symptoms, especially in vulnerable individuals. Hsu’s death has also led to an increase in people seeking flu vaccinations in Asia.
Hsu is survived by her husband, South Korean musician DJ Koo (Koo Jun-yup), and their two children. DJ Koo has yet to release a public statement on her death but was reportedly by her side in Japan during her final moments.
Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei, the ex-husband of Hsu, said he will always consider her his ‘family’.
As her family bids farewell in private, her legacy remains prominent through her body of work, particularly her impact on the Taiwanese and wider Asian entertainment industry. Fans continue to post messages of gratitude for her memorable performances, ensuring her spirit endures in the hearts of those who admired her.
