On February 6, a Taiwanese media outlet reported on comments made by singer Christine Fan, one of Barbie Hsu’s longtime friends and a member of her close-knit circle known as the “Seven Fairies.” Christine Fan is a well-known singer in Taiwan and had maintained a close friendship with the late actress for many years.
On February 2, the day marking one year since Barbie Hsu’s death, a memorial statue unveiling ceremony was held under heavy rain. Those in attendance included her husband Koo Jun-yup, her younger sister Dee Hsu, and several close friends, all gathered to honor her memory in a solemn atmosphere.
However, a conversation that took place in front of the statue after the ceremony unexpectedly became the center of controversy. Christine Fan later shared a video filmed that day, showing Dee Hsu and others chatting casually in front of the statue. They jokingly remarked that the rain might be Barbie Hsu expressing her dislike for the unveiling ceremony, lightening the mood for a moment.
It was during this exchange that Christine Fan commented, “It feels even colder than winter in Japan—what’s going on?” While the remark may have been intended as a simple comment about the cold weather, it quickly sparked backlash because Barbie Hsu passed away in Japan last winter. The timing and context led to widespread criticism and multiple interpretations of her words.
Taiwanese netizens reacted strongly, with many questioning Christine Fan’s sensitivity and calling the remark highly inappropriate. The backlash was further fueled by the fact that Christine Fan has previously been involved in several public statement controversies, which has already left her under heightened scrutiny.
The situation was made even more delicate by past reports suggesting that Christine Fan had been ill with the flu around the time of Barbie Hsu’s death, and that Barbie Hsu had contact with Christine Fan before her condition rapidly worsened—an issue that had already stirred public debate. Although some netizens defended Christine Fan, arguing that the comment was overinterpreted and merely about the weather, the criticism has yet to subside.
Barbie Hsu passed away on February 2 last year while traveling in Japan, after developing pneumonia caused by influenza. Her remains were cremated in Japan and returned to Taiwan three days later. She was laid to rest in March last year at the Rose Garden of Jinbaoshan Cemetery in Taiwan.
On the first anniversary of her passing, Koo Jun-yup shared a handwritten letter on Instagram dedicated to his late wife. Addressing her as “my eternal love, my everything,” he wrote, “Barbie, how are you there?” He expressed constant worry over whether she might feel cold or hot, and described the lingering pain and disbelief he feels when sitting alone in their empty bedroom.
He also wrote about driving to Jinbaoshan with food he prepared for her, wondering what she would like, and breaking down in tears along the way. Apologizing for showing weakness, he said it was the only way he knew to cope with his longing for her. He ended the letter with a heartfelt message: “When we meet again, let’s be together forever. I miss you so much—so much it hurts.”
Sources: Daum
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