Barbie Hsu

Biography

Early Life & Background

Barbie Hsu (徐熙媛), born Hsu Hsi-Yuan on October 6, 1976, in Taipei, Taiwan, is one of Asia’s most celebrated actresses and singers. She is the elder sister of actress Dee Hsu (小S), forming one of entertainment’s most famous sibling duos.

• Birthplace: Taipei, Taiwan
• Nationality: Taiwanese
• Education: Attended Huagang Arts School
• Death: February 2, 2025 (aged 48) in Tokyo, Japan

Barbie’s journey into entertainment began at just 17 years old when she and her sister debuted as part of the girl group ASOS in 1994. Her early exposure to the spotlight shaped her versatility as both a singer and actress.

Career: From Teen Idol to International Star

Breakthrough Era (1990s–Early 2000s)

Barbie gained initial recognition through:

• Music career with ASOS
• Hosting variety shows with sister Dee Hsu
• Early television appearances in Taiwan

Peak Success: Meteor Garden Phenomenon (2001)

The role of Shan Cai in Meteor Garden (流星花園) catapulted Barbie to pan-Asian stardom. The drama:

• Became the highest-rated Taiwanese drama at the time
• Sparked the “F4 fever” across Asia
• Established Barbie as a leading actress

Continued Success (2000s–2010s)

Following Meteor Garden, Barbie expanded her career:

• Mars (2004) – Critically acclaimed drama
• Transitioned to Chinese film and television
• Published bestselling beauty books

Sad Death

Barbie Hsu died on February 2, 2025 in Tokyo, Japan at the age of 48.

Barbie was traveling in Japan with her family during the Lunar New Year holiday when she contracted influenza. Her condition worsened and developed into pneumonia complicated by the flu, which ultimately led to her death.

Relationships & Personal Life

Barbie Hsu’s personal life has garnered significant public attention:

• First Marriage (2010–2021): Married Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei; they have two children together
• Divorce: The couple announced their divorce in November 2021
• Second Marriage (2022): Remarried her ex-boyfriend, Korean-Japanese singer DJ Koo (具俊曄), in a surprise announcement that captivated fans across Asia
• Family: Maintains a close relationship with sister Dee Hsu

Controversies & Challenges

Highly Publicized Divorce

Barbie Hsu’s divorce from Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei in 2021 became one of the most high-profile celebrity splits in Asia. What began as a private separation quickly escalated into a public feud, with Wang repeatedly airing personal disputes online while legal battles over custody, finances, and property unfolded in the media. Barbie largely remained reserved, responding through official statements and the courts, which earned her public sympathy. The controversy intensified when she unexpectedly remarried South Korean musician DJ Koo in 2022, cementing the divorce as a long-running and widely scrutinized celebrity saga.

Filmography & Discography

Television Dramas

Films

Music