A digital screen at Times Square showcased a one-minute tribute video featuring a series of images of Barbie Hsu, moving fans to tears. Many took to social media to express their gratitude for the tribute, with messages such as, “Thank you for letting us remember her in her most beautiful moments.”
According to local media reports, the memorial was arranged by a fan known online as “Jiang Er Er”. She revealed her personal connection to the late actress, sharing that as a child, she was often told she resembled Barbie Hsu. She even used images of the Taiwanese star as her profile pictures on social media for a long time. Upon hearing the news of Barbie Hsu’s passing, Jiang decided to commemorate her life at Times Square, a place renowned for honoring global icons.
Jiang said, “This is something meaningful. It’s not about money but about remembering someone who deserves it.“
Reports indicate that advertising at Times Square is extremely costly, with an estimated price of $50,000 to $100,000 for a one-minute clip. While other fans offered financial contributions, Jiang declined their support, emphasizing that the gesture transcended monetary value.
Jiang also mentioned that she attempted to contact Dee Hsu, Barbie Hsu’s younger sister, to request high-resolution images for the tribute. However, she received no response, likely due to the family’s mourning. Instead, she sourced images online and completed the preparation within a week.
Beyond Times Square, a similar tribute was displayed on a large screen at Wuyue Plaza in Nanjing, featuring the message, “Goodbye, Shan Cai.” This referenced Barbie Hsu’s iconic role in “Meteor Garden”, the drama that defined her career. Jiang explained that her intention was twofold: to clear up misunderstandings about Barbie Hsu’s life and to honor her enduring legacy with positivity.
Barbie Hsu passed away in early February due to acute pneumonia caused by the flu while on a family trip to Japan during the Lunar New Year holiday. She was cremated in Japan on February 3, and her ashes were returned to her hometown in Taiwan on February 6.