Barbie Hsu, the Taiwanese actress best known for her starring role in the hit drama "Meteor Garden," has died at the age of 48. Hsu passed away in Japan while on a family trip during the Lunar New Year holiday, her family confirmed. The cause of death was complications from pneumonia, stemming from a bout with influenza.

The news of Hsu's death sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, leaving fans across Asia and beyond in mourning. Hsu's sister, Dee Hsu, also a well-known talk show hostess, shared a heartfelt message 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 Hsu said. "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!"

Hsu's career skyrocketed after her role as Shan Cai in "Meteor Garden," a drama that swept across Asia and garnered a massive international following. The series, based on the Japanese manga "Boys Over Flowers," propelled Hsu to superstardom. Her portrayal of the resilient and kind-hearted Shan Cai resonated with audiences, solidifying her status as a beloved actress.

Before the official confirmation from her family, rumors swirled online about the death of a prominent celebrity in Japan. Speculation ran rampant as media outlets struggled to confirm the news. Adding to the intrigue, Hsu's ex-husband, Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei, changed his social media profile picture to black, further fueling the rumors.

Hsu's personal life also garnered significant media attention. Her relationship with South Korean singer and DJ Koo Jun-yup, whom she married in March 2022, was a subject of much interest. The couple had previously dated between 1998 and 2000 but were forced to part ways due to agency restrictions. They rekindled their romance after Hsu's divorce from Wang Xiaofei.

The reunion and subsequent marriage of Hsu and Koo Jun-yup was seen by many as a real-life fairy tale. The couple's story of rekindled love captured the hearts of fans, adding another layer to Hsu's public persona. They were recently seen together at the wedding of Wang Weizhong's daughter, Wang Ling.

Hsu leaves behind her husband, Koo Jun-yup, and her two children, a 10-year-old daughter and an 8-year-old son, whom she shared with Wang Xiaofei. Her passing is a significant loss to the entertainment industry and her legions of fans.

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