Taiwanese media outlet SETN reported on July 13 that “Koo Jun-yup has not given up Barbie Hsu‘s inheritance and is working to secure the portion of the estate that should go to her children.”

The report added that although there had been rumors Koo Jun-yup had voluntarily relinquished his claim to the luxury mansion where Barbie Hsu had lived during her lifetime, sources now claim he did not leave the property of his own accord. Instead, he reportedly moved into a rental home at the request of Barbie Hsu’s family. It was also reported that Barbie Hsu’s mother recently asked Koo to sign documents relinquishing his inheritance rights.

According to the outlet, mediation involving legal representatives from both sides is scheduled to begin next week, suggesting that Koo Jun-yup has not completed the legal process of waiving his inheritance. The report also noted that there has been industry speculation that Koo Jun-yup may assert his legal rights, although his representatives have not commented on the matter.

Koo Jun-yup and Barbie Hsu first dated in 1998 before eventually breaking up. Barbie Hsu later married Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei in 2011, and the couple had two children before divorcing in 2021. After learning of her divorce, Koo Jun-yup reconnected with her, and the pair reunited before marrying in 2022, receiving widespread public support.

Tragically, Barbie Hsu passed away from acute pneumonia while traveling in Japan in February last year.

Following her death, numerous reports emerged regarding her estate. According to Taiwanese media, Barbie Hsu left behind assets worth approximately KRW 119.7 billion (around US$87 million), including land valued at about KRW 8.86 billion and a penthouse worth approximately KRW 16.04 billion.

Under Taiwanese inheritance law, her estate is reportedly divided equally among her two children and Koo Jun-yup, with each receiving one-third. At the time, Koo Jun-yup publicly stated that he intended to give up his inheritance share so that it could benefit the children.

Meanwhile, Barbie Hsu’s ex-husband Wang Xiaofei recently addressed the inheritance dispute, explaining that he had petitioned the court to appoint a special legal representative to protect the children’s rights. He said the estate distribution process is now being handled under the supervision of a court-appointed attorney.

Wang Xiaofei also stated that a dedicated trust account had been established to preserve the children’s inheritance, adding that he would respect whatever decision Koo Jun-yup makes regarding his own inheritance share. He denied reports claiming Barbie Hsu’s Taipei residence was facing foreclosure or that mortgage payments had been missed.

Wang Xiaofei further claimed he has personally continued making the mortgage payments on behalf of the children and agreed to allow Barbie Hsu’s mother to continue living at the former residence.

Sources: Daum | 스포츠조선