Discover the life and legacy of Barbie Hsu, the actress who played the iconic heroine Shan Cai in the Taiwanese drama Meteor Garden.
PHOTO/S: Screengrab from Instagram | @hsushiyuan
Pop culture in the early 2000s experienced a major shift when Meteor Garden took the world by storm, setting the blueprint for Asian idol dramas that seamlessly blended romance, school life, and social class struggles.
Its immense popularity sparked a global wave of adaptations and successors, resonating with audiences far beyond Asia and cementing its legacy in television history.
At the heart of it all was Barbie Hsu, whose portrayal of the iconic Shan Cai made her a household name and an enduring symbol of that era.
Read: Meteor Garden phenomenon, binalikan sa pagpanaw ni Barbie Hsu
News of her passing on February 2, 2025, due to complications from pneumonia and influenza, sent shockwaves across social media, instantly dominating platforms like Weibo.
Her death was a devastating loss, prompting an outpouring of tributes from around the world.
Barbie Hsu
Photo/s: Screengrab from Instagram | @hsushiyuan
EARLY LIFE
Full Name
Barbie was born Xu Xi Yuan, before adopting her screen name Barbie Hsu or “Big S.”
Birthday
Barbie was born on October 6, 1976. She was 48 years old at the time of her passing.
Read: Meteor Garden star Barbie Hsu dies at 48
Family
Born to Huang Chun-mei and Hsu Chien in Taipei, Barbie Hsu grew up in Taiwan’s capital city, where she lived until adulthood.
She was the middle child of three sisters.
Her elder sister, Hsu Si-hsien, and her younger sister, Dee Hsu, gained recognition in Taiwan, with Dee becoming a household name as a television host, best known for her role on the variety show Kangsi Coming.
Barbie’s family has business ties in Taipei, owning a jewelry shop.
Meanwhile, her cousin, Chelsey Chang Chia-ru, has made a name for herself as a news anchor and journalist.
Education
Barbie attended Taipei Hwa Kang Arts School, a prestigious institution known for its arts programs.
She pursued studies in the Drama Department.
CAREER
In 1994, Barbie debuted in the entertainment scene at the age of 18 as part of the pop duo S.O.S (Sisters of Shu) with her younger sister, Dee Hsu.
The group gained initial fame with the hit song “Ten-Minute Love.”
However, contractual disputes led them to rebrand as A.S.O.S. and transition their focus to television hosting.
They became known for hosting popular variety shows, such as Guess (1996-2000) and 100% Entertainment (1998-2005).
S.O.S members Dee Hsu (left) and Barbie Hsu (right)
Her breakthrough as an actress came in 2001 when she portrayed Dong Shan Cai in Meteor Garden, followed by its sequel the next year.
Starring alongside Taiwanese showbiz heavyweights Jerry Yan, Vic Chou, Ken Chu, and Vanness Wu, she and her co-stars quickly became icons of the early 2000s Asian drama wave.
She continued her acting career with memorable performances in Mars (2004), Corner with Love (2007), and Summer’s Desire (2010).
Barbie stepped away from acting following her marriage in 2011, but she remained active in variety shows and advertising campaigns.
She also had a successful film career, starring in projects like The Ghost Inside (2005), Silk (2006), and My So Called Love (2008).
Her 2010 roles in Hot Summer Days, Future X-Cops, and Reign of Assassins showcased her versatility.
Her final film roles were Million Dollar Crocodile and Motorway in 2012.
Legacy
Barbie Hsu remains a popular figure of the Asian pop culture, becoming the most-loved Shan Cai.
She also redefined the image of a leading lady, breaking stereotypes with her relatable persona and inspiring a new generation of actresses and drama heroines.
Barbie Hsu as Meteor Garden’s Shan Cai
Photo/s: Screengrab from Meteor Garden
PERSONAL LIFE
Barbie’s personal life was often in the public eye.
She dated multiple high-profile celebrities, including South Korean singer Koo Jun-yup from 1998 to 2000 and actors Blue Lan (2001-2005) and Vic Chou (2005-2008).
On November 16, 2010, she married Chinese entrepreneur Wang Xiaofei. The couple had two children: daughter Wang Hsi-yueh (born 2014) and son Wang Hsi-lin (born 2016).
However, their marriage ended in 2021, reportedly due to political differences and personal conflicts.
Following the split, Barbie rekindled her romance with former love Koo Jun-yup.
The couple secretly tied the knot on March 8, 2022.
Barbie’s death
Before Barbie’s untimely passing, her health struggles had made headlines.
The media reported about her epilepsy and mitral valve prolapse, both of which led to several hospitalizations.
On February 2, 2025, during a Lunar New Year trip to Japan, Barbie passed away at the age of 48 due to pneumonia caused by complications from influenza.
Her family issued a statement confirming her death:
“Thank you all for your concern! During the Lunar New Year, our family traveled to Japan. Unfortunately, our dear and kind sister, Xiyuan (Barbie Hsu’s given name) passed away after contracting the flu and pneumonia.
“I am grateful that I was able to be her sister through my life, looking after and accompanying each other. I will always be grateful towards you and will miss you!
“Shan~ (shortened nickname for Xiyuan) Have a safe journey! I love you forever. together remember forever.”
