South Korean singer Koo Jun-yup has paid an emotional tribute to his late wife, Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, who passed away last week.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Koo described his “indescribable grief” and “gut-wrenching pain,” saying his angel had returned to heaven on February 2, 2025.
Hsu, one of the most beloved stars in the Mandarin-speaking world, is believed to have fallen ill and died while visiting Japan with family.
The sudden loss of the 48-year-old actress has sent shockwaves across Asia’s entertainment industry.
Known for her iconic role in the 2001 TV series Meteor Garden, Hsu became a household name across the region.
“Right now, I am going through a time of gut-wrenching pain,” Koo wrote.
He also pleaded for privacy, calling for the public to allow his family to mourn in peace.
“Even before I could properly grieve this tremendous loss, some heartless people have begun to defame my family and our love,” he said. “Please, can you just let Hsu rest in peace?”
The plea followed media reports speculating on who would inherit Hsu’s estate, which allegedly includes a multi-million-dollar property portfolio.
While these details remain unverified, Koo clarified that all of Hsu’s assets were earned through her hard work and said he had entrusted full authority over them to Hsu’s mother.
“As for the children’s share, I will take legal measures through a lawyer to protect it until they reach adulthood, ensuring that bad people cannot touch it,” he added.
Hsu and Koo’s love story began in 1998 when they first met on a Taiwanese variety show, where Hsu and her sister Dee were hosts, and Koo was a guest as part of the K-pop duo Clon.
The couple started dating but later broke up due to opposition from Koo’s management.
Hsu later married Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei, with whom she had two children. Their 10-year marriage ended in a high-profile divorce in 2021.
Shortly after, Hsu reconnected with Koo, and the couple married in 2022.
Hsu’s death has left fans in mourning across Asia.
Her breakout role in Meteor Garden—an adaptation of the Japanese manga Boys Over Flowers—won hearts across the region, where the series was aired and dubbed in multiple languages.
Hsu was also well known for her hosting work on Taiwanese variety shows, often appearing with her younger sister, Dee.
In the 1990s, the sisters formed the pop duo SOS and earned the nicknames Big S (Hsu) and Little S (Dee).
According to local media, Hsu’s remains were flown back to Taiwan on Thursday.
Fans continue to pay tribute to the late star, whose legacy in the entertainment industry will be remembered for years to come.
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