On Feb. 3, Zhang hosted a livestream from home while having a meal and chatting with her audience. She also posted on Weibo: “Do not idolize anyone. Be brave and be yourself. Let your light illuminate the path ahead.”

Within 30 minutes, the post had garnered over 220,000 views, with many accusing her of insensitivity for livestreaming shortly after Hsu’s passing, as reported by Tien Phong.

Netizens condemned Zhang’s actions, with comments such as, “Is she using this tragedy to gain views?” and “Can you please let her rest in peace?” Some labeled her “heartless” and a “terrifying demon.” Others defended Zhang, arguing that the timing was coincidental and unrelated to Hsu’s passing.

Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu. Photo from Weibo

Zhang later took to social media to express her condolences. “May Yue’er’s mother go to heaven and rest in peace.”

“Wang Xiaofei and I, as the children’s family, are willing to lend a helping hand if there is any need in handling funeral affairs,” adding that Hsu’s passing is a great loss for their family and a heavy blow to her two children, as reported by Yahoo Singapore.

“Our first priority now is to comfort and protect the two children. This is the common responsibilities of the two families,” Zhang said.

On Feb. 4, she paused livestreaming on Douyin but continued posting videos on Weibo, leading to speculation that her team was managing her updates.

Hsu’s family confirmed her passing in a statement released by her sister, Taiwanese host Dee Hsu, on Monday.

“Thank you for all the concern,” Dee expressed. “Over the Lunar New Year period, our entire family traveled to Japan for a holiday, and my most beloved, kindest elder sister Barbie caught influenza-related pneumonia and has unfortunately left us.”

“I am thankful to be her sister in this life, and grateful that we have taken care of each other and kept each other company all these years. I will always be thankful to her and remember her,” she continued. “Shan [Hsu’s nickname], rest in peace. We love you always. Together remember forever.”

Hsu gained fame from her roles in TV series such as “Meteor Garden,” “Mars,” and “Summer’s Desire.” Her personal life, especially her marriages, has always been a focal point of public and media interest.

She was married to Wang, 43, from 2011 until their divorce in 2021, and they have two children together.

Following the divorce, Hsu reunited with her ex-boyfriend, South Korean musician DJ Koo, and married him in Feb. 2022. The couple resumed their life together until her untimely death.

Wang later married Mandy in May 2024.