The Heartwarming Journey of Taiwanese Actress Barbie Hsu

SINGAPORE – Reflecting on my childhood, one name stands out from the pages of my old journal: Barbie Hsu. While I remember little from my primary school days, my entries often mentioned her, the beloved Taiwanese actress known for her role in the hit drama Meteor Garden.

The Early Years: Dipping into Taipei’s Variety Scene

Like many girls of my generation, my infatuation with Meteor Garden brought me in touch with Shancai, the feisty and determined protagonist played by Barbie Hsu. However, I truly connected with her through the Taiwanese variety show Guess Guess Guess (1996 to 2012), which she co-hosted with her younger sister Dee Hsu as part of the duo ASOS,昵named Big S and Little S.

An Unexpected Loss

It was a shock to learn of Barbie Hsu’s passing on February 3, 2024. Dee confirmed that her sister had died at the age of 48 from pneumonia during a family holiday in Japan. Writing her obituary, a task I have undertaken numerous times in my seven years as an entertainment journalist, felt different this time. My hands shook, and I felt a personal loss.

The Deepest Connections Are Parasocial

Though I never met Barbie Hsu, she felt like a familiar presence in my life. Assigned to write a “10 things to know about Barbie Hsu” listicle, I replied confidently that I knew everything about her. My response, I admit, was fueled by my parasocial attachment—a connection fostered by her prolonged presence on television.

A Variety Show Sensation and Beyond

Even as I transitioned from Meteor Garden to American dramas like Grey’s Anatomy, my commitment to Taiwanese variety shows remained steadfast. I rewatched clips of Guess Guess Guess and 100% Entertainment, devoured every episode of their culinary show Gourmet Secrets Of The Stars, and relived the drama of Mr Con And Ms Csi.

Behind the Scenes with Barbie Hsu

Mr Con And Ms Csi was hosted primarily by Dee, but Barbie was a recurring character, sharing intimate moments that painted a picture of her life I wouldn’t have found in any other place. She spoke candidly about her love life, her pet dog Wu Meiniang, and even her nape tattoo, symbolizing her love for aliens. Hsu’s nickname, Tiger, from her teenage years, also showcased her bold personality.

An Inspiration Despite Criticism

Though not immune to negativity, I admired Barbie Hsu’s bravery in embracing her feelings. Despite public scrutiny over her romantic relationships, she never hid her emotions. Her willingness to fall in love, even after her tumultuous marriage to Wang Xiaofei, proved inspiring.

When she rekindled her romance with Koo Jun-yup, a South Korean musician, in 2022, after their divorce from Wang Xiaofei, she demonstrated resilience and a willingness to embrace new love.

Honesty in Beauty

As a transparent advocate for beauty, Barbie Hsu didn’t hide her secrets. Known as the “Queen of Beauty,” she wrote books on skincare and openly discussed procedures like Botox and Thermage.

Though not all her methods were necessarily healthy, I appreciated her transparency.

Farewell, Barbie: A Moment for Reflection

As I reflect on her life, the theme song The Love You Want from Meteor Garden plays in the background, bearing witness to a life cut too short. Her vibrant presence, so full of spirit, deserted by the flu is hard to grasp.

Barbie Hsu’s death is a tragedy for her family, her fans, and for her sister Dee, who must now navigate a world without her Big S.

A Sweet End

In the final days of her life, Barbie seemed genuinely happy, reconnecting with Koo. They symbolized their bond through matching wedding bands on their fingers, a beautiful touch that signified their love story.

A Farewell Note

So farewell, Barbie. You loved looking beautiful, and no one will ever see you age. May you be in a world of eternal youth, wearing the most gorgeous pair of high heels, as you did in life.

• Jan Lee is a correspondent at The Straits Times, covering stories related to entertainment and celebrities in East Asia.

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