Clone’s Koo Jun-yeop has expressed his deep sorrow.
On the 3rd, Taiwanese local media, including the Central News Agency, Liberty Times, and ET Today, reported that Koo Jun-yeop’s wife and popular Taiwanese actress, Barbie Hsu, had passed away.
Barbie Hsu went on a family trip to Japan, contracted the flu, which then developed into acute pneumonia, leading to her death at the age of 48. Her family completed the cremation process in Japan, and they are discussing whether to hold a farewell ceremony in Taiwan.
The news came just ahead of Koo Jun-yeop and Barbie Hsu’s third wedding anniversary, which made the loss even more heartbreaking. Through a media outlet, Koo Jun-yeop stated, “This is not fake news. I am not okay,” sharing his difficult emotions.
Barbie Hsu’s sister, Dee Hsu, said, “We went on a family trip to Japan for the New Year, and unfortunately, my beloved sister Barbie succumbed to the flu and pneumonia. I am grateful to have been her sister. We have supported each other throughout, and I’ll always be thankful and miss her dearly. Rest in peace. I will love you forever, sister.”
Barbie Hsu debuted in the 1990s as part of the sister duo SOS with Dee Hsu. Later in 2001, she gained immense popularity across Asia for her role as Shan Cai in the drama “Meteor Garden,” adapted from the Japanese manga “Boys Over Flowers,” where she was affectionately known as “Taiwan’s Makino.”
Koo Jun-yeop and Barbie Hsu first met in 1998 when Clone expanded into Taiwan and appeared on “Super Sunday,” hosted by the Hsu sisters, bringing them together. They developed a romantic relationship for about a year but eventually parted ways due to opposition from their management and various issues.
Barbie Hsu later married businessman Wang Xiaofei in 2011 and had one son and one daughter with him before their divorce in 2021. After hearing of her divorce, Koo Jun-yeop reached out to Barbie Hsu, rekindling their romance. Twenty years after their first meeting, they reunited and married in 2022, capturing the hearts of fans in Korea, Taiwan, and China with their dramatic love story.
Even this seemingly perfect couple faced challenges. Rumors fueled by Wang Xiaofei’s false news allegations, including drugs, affairs, health issues, and divorce, began circulating. Despite this, Koo Jun-yeop consistently expressed his enduring love, vowing to protect Barbie Hsu for life. As recently as five days ago, the couple attended an event in Taiwan, showing their harmonious relationship.
However, in the end, death has separated them, prompting netizens to express their condolences with messages wishing peace for Barbie Hsu and sending strength to Koo Jun-yeop. Currently, Koo Jun-yeop is isolating himself from external contacts, overwhelmed with grief. A close associate of Koo Jun-yeop expressed concern over his condition and intends to visit him soon.
Reporter Baek Ji-eun (silk781220@sportschosun.com)