Taiwanese Star Barbie Hsu, Beloved for “Meteor Garden,” Passes Away at 48
The entertainment world is mourning the sudden loss of Taiwanese actress adn singer Barbie Hsu, widely known by her stage name Big S, who passed away at the age of 48 due to influenza-related pneumonia. The tragic news was confirmed by her younger sister, Dee Hsu (Little S), through her manager on Monday, February 3, 2025.
Big S, whose real name was Xu Xiyuan, rose to fame across East Asia for her iconic role as Shancai in the 2001 hit drama Meteor Garden. the series, which became a cultural phenomenon, cemented her status as a household name in the Asian entertainment industry.
A Family’s Heartbreaking Announcement
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Little S shared the devastating news in a heartfelt statement: “Thank you for your concern! During the New Year, our family came to Japan to travel. My dearest and kind sister Xi Yuan left us unfortunately as of influenza pneumonia.” She added, “Thanks to her sisters in this life, take care and accompany each other, I will always be grateful to her and miss her! Shan (Xu Xiyuan’s nickname) ~ go all the way! I will always love you. Together, Remember Forever.”
The sisters, who debuted as part of the Taiwanese girl group SOS, had a close bond both personally and professionally. While Little S became renowned for her hosting career, Big S solidified her legacy through numerous idol dramas and film projects.
A Life of Love and Legacy
Big S’s personal life also captured public attention. She ended her 11-year marriage with Chinese businessman Wang xiaofei in 2021, with whom she shared two children.In 2022, she remarried Korean rapper Gu Junjun (DJ KOO), rekindling a relationship that had briefly flourished over two decades earlier.
Gu Junjun confirmed her passing to Korean media, stating, “This is not fake news,” and expressed his grief, saying, “I’m not very good.” Wang Xiaofei, her ex-husband, arrived in Taiwan on Monday night to support their children during this challenging time.
The Tragic Timeline of Her Illness
Reports from a tour guide detailed the events leading to Big S’s untimely death. On January 29, she and her family arrived in Hakone, Japan, where she began experiencing symptoms of cough and asthma. By January 31, her condition worsened, and she was hospitalized. Despite being discharged, her health deteriorated further, and she was rushed to a Tokyo hospital on February 1. She passed away in the early hours of February 2.
The tour guide lamented, “If you have the upper heart, look at the doctor, the big S will not die!”
A Growing Influenza Crisis in Japan
Big S’s death has also drawn attention to the severity of the influenza outbreak in Japan. According to data released by the Institute of National Infection, Japan has recorded an estimated 9.523 million influenza cases between September 26, 2024, and January 26, 2025. Chinese media highlighted the crisis,with reports of hospitals and pharmacies facing shortages of flu medications.
Tributes Pour In from Across Asia
The news of Big S’s passing sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with tributes flooding social media. Huang Xiaoming,her co-star in the drama Bubble Summer,wrote on Weibo,“At this moment,it is indeed still shocking and unable to accept this bad news. It is really uncomfortable … Her kindness, her righteousness, she has been a heroine, and I have always been grateful.”
Hu Bing, another Chinese artist, expressed disbelief, saying, “I really can’t believe it, how could it be you, you have been awake and autonomous in the impression… I dare not believe it! Don’t want to say goodbye! You are our eternal small princess forever.”
Taiwanese celebrities, including Lin Zhiling, Shu Qi, and Yan Chengxu (her Meteor Garden co-star), also shared their condolences. Yan chengxu wrote, “Thank you for meeting you,” while Liu dehua, her co-star in Future Police, wished her, “May go all the way, love the festival.”
A Final Farewell
Big S’s best friend, Wu Peici, who witnessed her final moments, shared her grief: “Send my favourite and best friend for my life for the last journey, it really hurts. I will always remember her kindness and her beauty.I will forget that every time I finish call,I will say that I love me.”
Her mother, through senior TV producer Wang Weizhong, requested privacy as the family prepares to return to taiwan, stating it was “Xiyuan’s wish.”
Key Details at a Glance
| aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Name | Barbie Hsu (Big S) |
| Birth Name | Xu Xiyuan |
| date of Birth | October 6, 1976 |
| Date of Death | February 2, 2025 |
| Cause of Death | Influenza-related pneumonia |
| Age at Death | 48 |
| Notable Role | Shancai in Meteor Garden |
| Survived by | Husband Gu Junjun, ex-husband Wang Xiaofei, two children, sister Dee Hsu |
Big S’s legacy as a trailblazer in Asian entertainment and her enduring impact on fans worldwide will never be forgotten. Her kindness, talent, and resilience will continue to inspire generations to come.
editor’s Q&A with a Close Friend of Big S
Editor: Thank you for joining us today. Can you share more about Big S’s trip to Japan and how her illness unfolded?
Guest: Certainly. Big S and her family arrived in Hakone, Japan on January 29. She initially had mild symptoms like a cough and asthma, which she thought were manageable. By January 31,her condition worsened,and she was hospitalized. she was discharged briefly, but her health deteriorated rapidly. On February 1, she was rushed to a hospital in tokyo,where she tragically passed away in the early hours of February 2.
Editor: the tour guide mentioned, “If you have the upper heart, look at the doctor, the Big S will not die!” What do you think this implies?
Guest: It’s a heartbreaking statement. It suggests that if there had been more urgency or attention to her symptoms earlier, her life might have been saved. The influenza outbreak in Japan is severe,and her case highlights the importance of seeking immediate medical care when symptoms arise.
Editor: How has the influenza crisis in Japan impacted this situation?
guest: The crisis is dire. According to the Institute of National Infection, there have been over 9.5 million cases of influenza in Japan between September 2024 and January 2025. hospitals and pharmacies are overwhelmed, and medication shortages have made it even harder to manage cases like Big S’s.
Editor: Tributes have poured in from across Asia. Can you share some of the most heartfelt messages?
Guest: absolutely. Huang Xiaoming, her co-star in Bubble Summer, expressed his shock and sadness on Weibo, calling her a heroine and remembering her kindness. hu Bing couldn’t believe the news and called her their “eternal small princess.” Taiwanese celebrities like Lin Zhiling, Shu Qi, and Yan Chengxu,her co-star in Meteor Garden,also shared their condolences,remembering her as a dear friend and talented artist.
Editor: How is her family coping with this loss?
Guest: It’s been incredibly challenging. Her best friend, Wu Peici, who was with her in her final moments, shared her grief publicly. Big S’s mother,through senior TV producer Wang Weizhong, has asked for privacy as the family prepares to return to Taiwan. They are honoring her final wishes and focusing on healing in private.
Editor: What legacy does Big S leave behind?
Guest: Big S, whose real name is Barbie Hsu, was a trailblazer in Asian entertainment. Her role as Shancai in Meteor Garden made her a household name, and her kindness, resilience, and talent touched millions. She inspired countless people, and her legacy will continue to live on through her work and the memories she left with her loved ones and fans.
Conclusion
Big S’s untimely passing has left a void in the entertainment industry and in the hearts of her fans. Her journey highlights the importance of timely medical care and the severity of the ongoing influenza crisis in Japan. Through her work and kindness, she will forever be remembered as a beloved figure who brought joy and inspiration to many.
