On 3rd February 2025, multiple Taiwanese media outlets reported alarming news about Barbie Hsu, the renowned Taiwanese actress best known for her iconic role in Meteor Garden. Unconfirmed reports suggested that the beloved star had passed away at the age of 48 due to a sudden illness. However, as of now, no official confirmation has been made, leaving fans puzzled and concerned.
Unconfirmed Reports and Speculation
The rumors began circulating on 2nd February 2025, when a social media page claimed that a famous Taiwanese celebrity had passed away. While the post did not explicitly name Barbie Hsu, the clues given—including the star’s age and reference to a foreign spouse—led many to speculate that it was referring to her.
Adding fuel to the rumors, Wang Xiaofei, Hsu’s ex-husband, made an unusual move by changing his profile picture on Douyin and WeChat to a solid black image. This cryptic action caused a stir among netizens, with many interpreting it as a sign of mourning.
However, there has been no official confirmation from Hsu’s representatives, family, or authorities regarding her supposed passing. The lack of response has only heightened the public’s concern, as Hsu and her family have typically been quick to debunk misinformation in the past.
Recent Public Appearances Contradict Death Rumors
Interestingly, just days before the rumors emerged, Barbie Hsu was seen attending a homecoming banquet for her mentor’s daughter. She appeared in good spirits alongside her current husband, DJ Koo, a South Korean musician. This sighting contradicts claims that she had been seriously ill or in distress.
Additionally, Hsu’s mother and sister recently shared videos of themselves dancing, further casting doubt on the authenticity of the rumors. If something had happened to Barbie Hsu, it is unlikely that her family would be engaging in such activities without addressing the situation.
Conflicting Statements from Friends and Family
Hsu’s close friend Makiyo expressed disbelief at the reports, stating that she had heard nothing about Hsu’s supposed passing. This contradicts the social media claims that suggested her inner circle was aware of the tragic news but had remained silent.
Meanwhile, Barbie Hsu’s grandmother recently provided updates about a family trip to Thailand, whereas separate reports indicated that Hsu had been in Korea with her children for the Lunar New Year. These conflicting accounts further complicate the credibility of the initial death claims.
Barbie Hsu’s Personal Life and Relationships
Barbie Hsu has been a widely recognized figure in the entertainment industry for decades. After rising to fame through her performance as Shan Cai in Meteor Garden, she expanded her career as an actress, host, and entrepreneur. However, her personal life has also been a topic of intense public interest.
Marriage to Wang Xiaofei
In 2010, Hsu married Wang Xiaofei, a Chinese businessman and hotelier. Their marriage lasted over a decade before they finalized their divorce in 2021. The split was widely covered by the media, with reports of conflicts and legal disputes over finances surfacing. Despite their separation, Wang Xiaofei’s recent actions—such as changing his profile picture to black—suggest that he may still have emotional ties to his ex-wife.
Marriage to DJ Koo
Shortly after her divorce, Barbie Hsu shocked fans by announcing her marriage to South Korean DJ and musician DJ Koo (Koo Jun-Yup) in 2022. The couple had known each other in the 1990s but lost contact before rekindling their romance decades later. Their whirlwind romance and marriage drew both praise and criticism, with many admiring their love story while others questioned the rapid progression of their relationship.
The Impact of Celebrity Death Hoaxes
Barbie Hsu is not the first celebrity to be the subject of a death hoax, and she certainly won’t be the last. With the rise of social media, misinformation spreads quickly, often leaving fans confused and distressed.
Why Do Death Hoaxes Happen?
- Clickbait and Sensationalism: Some media outlets and individuals spread false information to generate traffic and engagement.
- Misinterpretation of Information: A cryptic post or vague clue can lead people to make assumptions without concrete evidence.
- Malicious Intent: Some hoaxes are started by trolls aiming to create panic or controversy.
Regardless of the reason, false reports of a celebrity’s death can cause unnecessary distress for fans, family members, and even the celebrity themselves if they are alive and well.
What’s Next for Barbie Hsu?
Despite the rumors, Barbie Hsu’s recent public appearances and her family’s activities suggest that she is alive and well. Until official confirmation is provided, it is best for fans and the media to exercise caution before believing unverified reports.
Barbie Hsu’s career continues to evolve, and while she may not be as active in the entertainment industry as she once was, she remains a significant figure in Asian pop culture. Her marriage to DJ Koo has also brought renewed attention to her personal life, and many are curious about what lies ahead for the actress.
