Barbie Hsu, best known as Shancai in 'Meteor Garden,' dies at 48
Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, best known for portraying Shancai in the hit 2001 television series Meteor Garden, has died at the age of 48.
Multiple local outlets, including Focus Taiwan, reported that Barbie died of pneumonia after contracting influenza during a Lunar New Year celebration in Japan.
Her sister, talk show host Dee Hsu, confirmed the news through her agent.
"Our whole family came to Japan for a trip, and my dearest and most kindhearted sister Barbie Hsu died of influenza-induced pneumonia and unfortunately left us," Dee said in a statement on Feb. 3.
"I was grateful to be her sister in this life and that we got to care for and spend time with each other. I will always be grateful to her and miss her!"
According to The Straits Times, Barbie's family is still in Japan and the late actress will likely be cremated there before her remains are brought back to Taiwan.
Before the news was confirmed, a netizen reportedly implied on Facebook that an unnamed Taiwanese celebrity married to a foreigner died at 48. That sparked rumors that it was Hsu.
Many users believed it to be a hoax, as she was last seen in public on Jan. 25 looking healthy and in good spirits.
But the rumors intensified when Barbie's family seemingly ignored clarifications about the ongoing rumors.
Her ex-husband, Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei, also reportedly changed his profile picture to black on the platform Douyin. It's a common practice that indicates mourning.
Barbie is survived by her husband, South Korean singer and disc jockey Jun-yup, as well as her 10-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son with Wang.
She rose to fame in Meteor Garden, starring alongside the boy group F4 comprising Jerry Yan, Vanness Wu, Ken Chu, and Vic Chou.
She also appeared in the television series Mars (2004), Corner with Love (2007), and Summer's Desire (2010).
Barbie retired from acting after marrying Wang in 2011. She appeared in some variety shows and advertisements aftwerward.
