"We Just Saw Each Other Before CNY": Celebs Mourn Barbie Hsu's Death

Earlier today (Feb 3), news of Barbie Hsu's sudden passing sent shockwaves across showbiz. 

The death of the actress, who was 48, was confirmed by her sister Dee Hsu, 46, through the latter's manager.

In her statement, Dee shared that Barbie passed away from influenza-associated pneumonia during their family trip to Japan over the Chinese New Year period. 

Barbie's husband South Korean singer DJ Koo, 55, subsequently also verified with South Korean media The Daily Sports that Barbie's passing is "not fake news" and that he was "not coping very well". 

Barbie and DJ Koo got married in 2022. Prior to that, she was married for 10 years to Chinese entrepreneur Wang Xiaofei, with whom she has two kids — daughter Wang Hsi-yueh, 10, and son Wang Hsi-lin, nine. 

According to reports, the actress will be cremated in Japan and her ashes will be brought back to Taiwan for burial. 

Before Barbie's passing became public news, Xiaofei, who was presumably aware of the situation, switched his Weibo profile picture to a black image.

However, Xiaofei has since changed his profile picture back to a photo of him with his son.

Many of Barbie's celeb pals, such as Jacky Wu, Blackie Chen, Christine Fan, Lin Chi-ling, and former Meteor Garden co-star Ken Chu, have since taken to their socials to pay tribute to the star. 

Jacky Wu

According to Taiwanese media starettoday, Jacky and Barbie, who hosted Taiwanese variety show Guess together from 1996 to 2000, had met slightly over a week ago (Jan 25) at Taiwanese producer Wang Wei-zhong's family banquet.

"I worked with her for many years. Though we weren't very close, I still feel terrible since we had the affinity to share a stage for many years. I hope she can rest in peace and be free henceforth," said Jacky. 

Photo: stheadline

Ken Chu

Barbie's Meteor Garden co-star took to his Instagram Stories to share a throwback photo of Barbie with him and the other F4 members — Vic Chou, Jerry Yan, and Vanness Wu.

He also paid tribute to Barbie on his Weibo, where he wrote: "Sigh... a bolt from the blue."

Photo: stheadline

Matilda Tao

The Taiwanese host took to her Facebook to share that she's "still in disbelief" and "in shock" about Barbie's death.

"We just saw each other before Chinese New Year. You were so beautiful, had such a bright smile and looked so blissful," she gushed.

Matilda added that she "didn't expect life to be so unpredictable" and urged all her friends to take good care of themselves as well as cherish the people around them. 

Photo: stheadline

Blackie Chen, Christine Fan

Blackie, who was Barbie's ex-boyfriend, was in Macau with wife Christine for the latter's concert when they were informed about Barbie's passing.

Sharing that they are "extremely heartbroken" by the news, Blackie said: "We're very, very sad. We'll always remember her!"

Meanwhile, Christine, who was also pals with Barbie, said she's "in so much pain now that [she] can't really speak".

Photo: Christine Fan/Weibo, stheadline

Janet Chia

The former model, who's now the chairman of Taiwan's iconic skyscraper Taipei 101, was friends with Barbie for decades.

Taking to her Facebook to pay tribute to her close pal, Janet wrote: "I'm terribly upset. I'm in shock and can't accept this. I can't bear to let you go."

Photos: nownews

Aya Liu

The Taiwanese host, who was friends with Barbie since high school, shared on Weibo that they had just met a month ago.

"During our gathering last month, we were talking about how we've known each other for 30 years. We even said that it was great to get together with us gal pals and that we needed to meet again real soon," she wrote.

Aya, however, did not expect that to be their last gathering ever.

"Your departure is a wound that is etched in my heart. I will remember how great you were. Rest in peace, the most beautiful queen," she wrote.

Photos: tw.news.yahoo

Lin Chiling

Responding through her manager, Chiling said Barbie's passing was one that left everyone "in shock" and "with deep regret". 

"Her unique elegance and talent has accompanied us for such a long time. Her superb performances on screen and her sincere yet staunch attitude towards life have all left a strong impression on people," said Chiling. 

She hopes Barbie would "find peace in the other world" and that her family could find the strength to tide through this difficult period.

"We'll always remember her greatness, rest in peace," she said.

Photo: nownews