Taiwanese Megastar Barbie Hsu Passes Away at 48 Due to Influenza

Taiwanese actor Barbie Hsu, best known for her iconic role in the 2001 television drama Meteor Garden, has passed away at the age of 48 due to complications from influenza, her sister announced Monday.

Affectionately known as “Big S,” Hsu died while on a family vacation in Japan, according to her sister Dee Hsu. The news quickly became the most searched topic on China’s Weibo microblogging platform.

“My dearest and most kindhearted sister, Barbie Hsu, succumbed to influenza-induced pneumonia and has sadly left us,” Dee, also known as “Little S,” shared in a heartfelt statement. “I am grateful to have been her sister in this life, to have shared love and memories with her. I will always cherish and miss her.”

Hsu first rose to fame as part of the pop duo S.O.S with her sister, but it was her breakout role in Meteor Garden that catapulted her to stardom across East Asia.

She was married to Korean rapper Koo Jun-yup, also known as DJ Koo, for nearly three years following the end of her 11-year marriage to Chinese entrepreneur Wang Xiaofei. She is survived by her two children.