According to Taiwanese media outlets such as ET Today on February 6, Koo Jun-yup arrived in Taiwan with his sister-in-law Dee Hsu, carrying Barbie Hsu’s ashes.
Through her agency, Dee Hsu shared, “My sister has arrived home safely. Even at this moment, I believe she is in heaven, feeling happy and free from worries.”
Dee Hsu also announced that there would be no farewell ceremony for Barbie Hsu, stating, “She was always a humble person. If you miss her, please keep her in your hearts. Our entire family is grateful for the love shown toward Barbie Hsu.“
Earlier, Taiwanese film producer Wang Wei-chung, a close friend of Barbie Hsu’s family, pleaded, “I received a request from Barbie Hsu’s mother. When the family returns to Taiwan with Barbie Hsu, please do not take photos or follow them at the airport. This was Barbie Hsu’s lifelong wish, so I ask for your understanding.“
Barbie Hsu unexpectedly passed away on February 2 due to flu-related pneumonia while on a family trip in Japan. Her family has already completed the cremation process in Japan, where regulations require cremation within three days of death.
Meanwhile, a photo of Barbie Hsu taken just days before her passing was leaked without permission, enraging her fans.
According to Chinese-language media reports, at 3 PM on January 29, a bus driver took a photo of Barbie Hsu and her companions while transporting them from the airport to their hotel in Japan. On February 4, two days after her death, the driver released the photo to the public without permission.
In the controversial photo, Barbie Hsu is seen in Koo Jun-yup’s arms, looking visibly distressed. Her lips appear purple, indicating poor health. According to a local guide, Barbie Hsu had been experiencing coughing and asthma symptoms since January 29.
Fans were devastated upon seeing the image. Many expressed heartbreak, stating that even after death, she continued to suffer from media intrusion, as she had throughout her life. Amid mounting criticism, the driver eventually deleted the photo, but by then, it had already spread widely.