The sudden passing of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu has shocked the Asian entertainment industry.

Last known photo of singer and actress Barbie Hsu. (the one wearing a black  coat and white dress). She died of pneumonia yesterday and was only 48  years old : r/lastimages

According to reports, she passed away on February 2, 2025, in Tokyo, Japan, due to septic shock following a flu infection during a family trip.

Before her passing, Barbie Hsu attended the wedding of Wang Wei-Jung’s daughter, Gui Ning, where she was photographed with her husband, DJ Koo, and celebrity couple Christine Fan and Blackie Chen. Notably, Christine Fan and Blackie Chen had reportedly contracted the flu just days before the event. This has led to speculation that Barbie Hsu may have been infected during the wedding.

Barbie Hsu, born on October 6, 1976, became a household name across Asia with her breakout role in the 2001 drama “Meteor Garden.” She first gained recognition at the age of 17 as part of the pop duo S.O.S with her sister Dee Hsu before transitioning into acting and television hosting. Besides Meteor Garden, she also starred in notable dramas such as “Corner with Love” and “Summer’s Desire.”

In her personal life, Barbie Hsu married Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei in 2010, with whom she had two children. After their divorce in 2021, she married South Korean DJ and singer Koo Jun-yup in 2022. Barbie Hsu had a history of health issues, including epilepsy and heart disease, and had been hospitalized multiple times due to seizures.

Her passing has caused an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow celebrities. Many have expressed their condolences to her family, while her death has also sparked discussions on the importance of flu vaccinations, especially for those attending crowded social events.

Barbie Hsu’s family brought her ashes back to Taiwan on February 5 and announced that no public funeral would be held, in accordance with her wishes.

Her death is a huge loss to the Asian entertainment world. Barbie Hsu will always be remembered as a talented actress and a cultural icon beloved by millions.