Cover Following Barbie Hsu’s passing, we revisit some of the ‘Meteor Garden’ star’s most iconic works
Following Barbie Hsu’s passing, we revisit some of the ‘Meteor Garden’ star’s most iconic works
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Following Hsu’s passing, we revisit some of the ‘Meteor Garden’ star’s most iconic works
Taiwanese star Barbie Hsu, also known by her stage name Big S, has died at the age of 48.
Hsu’s death was confirmed today (February 3) by her sister Dee Hsu through her manager, sharing that she passed after catching influenza-related pneumonia while travelling with her family in Japan. The official statement did not disclose where and when Hsu passed. According to various Taiwanese news reports, Hsu’s family is still in Japan and she will be cremated there, her remains will then be brought back to Taiwan.
Hsu, who was married to South Korean musician Koo Jun-yup, is survived by her daughter Wang Hsi-yueh and son Wang Hsi-lin, whom she had with her former husband Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei.
Born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan, Hsu was a prominent figure in the Taiwanese entertainment industry. Her career began in 1994 when she debuted with her sister Dee as a pop-duo ASOS (formerly SOS). Along with releasing tunes, the duo co-hosted variety shows such as Guess and Gourmet Secrets of the Stars. In 2001, she rose to fame after taking on a lead role in Taiwanese drama series Meteor Garden. Following the hit series, she went on to star in various TV series and films including Summer’s Desire, Connected and Corner With Love.
Below, we pay tribute to Hsu by looking back at some of her most memorable roles.
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1. Meteor Garden
Based on the 1990s Japanese manga series of the same name, Meteor Garden sees Hsu star as Dong Shancai, a girl from a poor family. She enrols in a private school exclusively for the rich. She quickly becomes the target of F4, a student group comprising heirs to Taiwan’s richest families. Throughout the series, we see Dong stand up against the group while also falling for the group’s leader Dao Ming-si.
2. Mars
Hsu stars alongside former Taiwanese boyband F4 member Vic Chou in this 2004 Taiwanese drama series. We follow introverted art student Han Qi-luo and playboy Chen Ling. Throughout the series, we see them grow closer and start a relationship. Along the way, they tackle various themes including grief and psychological healing.
3. Corner With Love
This Taiwanese romantic drama sees Hsu play Xin Lei, a wealthy and privileged girl, and Qin Lang (played by Show Lo), a struggling artist working as a cook. When their paths cross, they bond and start a new relationship. The drama explores themes of love and personal growth.
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4. Summer’s Desire
Based on a novel of the same name, this series revolves around Yin Xiamo and Luo Xi who share a unique bond as orphans adopted by the same family. Their close relationship sparks jealousy with Yin’s boyfriend, Ou Chen. This leads to a love triangle between Yin, Luo and Ou. Hsu stars in the 2010 adaptation of the series alongside Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon’s Peter Ho and Emperor Wu of Han’s Huang Xiaoming.
5. Connected
A remake of the 2004 American film Cellular, this action thriller centres around Bob, a debt collector and single father in Hong Kong. His world is turned upside down when he receives a desperate phone call from Grace Wong, a kidnapped single mother and engineer. Bob becomes her lifeline as he navigates through Hong Kong’s bustling streets and dangerous situations to save Wong and her daughter. Starring alongside Hsu is The Condor Heroes 95’s Louis Koo and The Conman’s Nick Cheung.
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Amanda Goh was the former senior writer for Tatler Singapore.
