Barbie Hsu, Taiwanese actress known for her role in *Meteor Garden*, dies at 48 from flu-related illness.

 Dee Hsu, a TV presenter and Barbie Hsu's sister, confirmed the sad news and honored her memory, expressing that she would "always be grateful for her and will miss her forever." Barbie Hsu, widely known as Da S or Big S by fans, gained fame through her role in the popular romance drama series Meteor Garden.

Barbie Hsu at the Cannes Film Festival in 2006. 

3 February 2025 14:00, UK

Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, also known as Da S (Big S), has passed away at the age of 48 due to pneumonia, a complication from the flu. Hsu was widely recognized for her role in the beloved TV drama Meteor Garden, which gained immense popularity across Asia in the early 2000s. Her unexpected death has left fans in shock, both in Taiwan and China, where the news quickly became a trending topic on social media platform Weibo.

Hsu contracted the flu while visiting Japan with her family during the Lunar New Year. Her younger sister, TV host Dee Hsu, shared the heartbreaking news, expressing her grief in a statement: "My dearest and most kindhearted sister Barbie Hsu died of influenza-induced pneumonia and unfortunately left us." She continued, "I am grateful that in this lifetime I was able to be her sister, taking care of each other and being companions. I will forever be thankful for her and miss her!"

Barbie Hsu entered the entertainment world through music, forming the pop group SOS with her sister as a teenager before transitioning to TV hosting. In 2001, Meteor Garden catapulted her to fame, where she starred as the female lead in the hit romance drama alongside the boy band F4. Hsu also appeared in other popular series such as Mars, Corner With Love, and Reign of Assassins, as well as films like The Ghost Inside and Connected.

In her personal life, Hsu was married to Korean musician Koo Jun-yup (DJ Koo) and previously to Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei, with whom she shared two children. Their marriage ended in a high-profile divorce in 2021.

A passionate animal rights advocate, Hsu was one of the first major stars to collaborate with organizations like PETA. Jason Baker, senior vice president of PETA, praised her for speaking out on behalf of animals, particularly urging brands to stop selling fur.

Hsu is survived by her husband Koo Jun-yup and their two children.