Barbie Hsu / Facebook 

MANILA, Philippines – Taiwanese superstar Barbie Hsu, known for her iconic role as “Shancai” in the global mega hit “Meteor Garden” passed away on February 3 at the age of 48 due to pneumonia sending shockwaves all over the internet. 

Her sister, talk show host Dee Hsu, through her agent said that Barbie contracted flu influenza-induced pneumonia during a family trip to Japan as reported by Taiwan-based news Taiwan Focus. 

“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. 

Dee said she is grateful to be Barbie’s sister and to have spent time with her. 

“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!” Dee said. 

Barbie is survived by her South Korean husband, singer and DJ Koo Jun-yup and her two children with her Chinese businessman ex-husband Wang Xiaofei. 

Barbie has captured the hearts of a generation when she played the role of Shancai, the strong-willed young girl who will not take the bullying of Dao Ming Zi played by Taiwanese heartthrob Jerry Yan sitting down. 

The show also catapulted the lives of then young actors and singers Yan, Vic Chou, Ken Chu, and Vanness Wu collectively known as F4 to skyrocketing global fame.