Photo:Sina Weibo

On Tuesday, a program by Korean Broadcasting System (KBS)revealed a comprehensive timeline of Barbie Hsu Shi-yuan, also known as Da S, the renowned Taiwan-born actress and TV host, from her trip to Japan until her passing in the country.

Hsu passed away at the age of 48 in February, 2025, reportedly succumbed to pneumonia following the flu while traveling in Japan with her family, Taiwan-based media outlet UDN reported. Her death quickly became a viral topic on social media, with many netizens expressing shock and mourning.

According to the KBS show, Hsu's condition was critical after being admitted to the emergency room and the hot bath has exacerbated her condition. Her pneumonia deteriorated rapidly, showing signs of complications, and the local medical team immediately recommended transferring her to a larger hospital for treatment. However, fearing hospitalization in an unfamiliar foreign country, she strongly wished to return home. Her family urgently booked a flight back to Taiwan island for February 2, 2025 and arranged for her discharge.

On the afternoon of February 2, 2025, while on the way to the airport, Hsu suffered cardiac arrest in the car. An ambulance was immediately dispatched, taking her to a nearby hospital. The medical team performed 14 hours of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and intensive care, but she ultimately did not regain consciousness.

Born in October 1976, Hsu was best known for her role in the hit television series Meteor Garden.

In 2010, Hsu married mainland businessman Wang Xiaofei in Beijing. In 2021, the couple announced their divorce. In 2022, Hsu married Korean musician Koo Jun-yup.

The TV show also revealed that whenever Koo planned to visit Hsu's grave, he would prepare breakfast and bring it along. Upon arriving at her gravesite, he would first kneel to pay his respects. He would take out his offerings and open an iPad to scroll through photos of Hsu. As he looked at images of his late wife, he would eat his meal.

The host disclosed that the production team had posed additional questions to Koo. "Koo was completely overcome and unable to speak. He answered every question through tears," the host recalled. 

"I hope those who loved Hsu will never forget her," Koo said.


Global Times