Barbie Hsu Dies in Japan From Influenza Complications

Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, star of the seminal idol drama Meteor Garden (2001 to 2002), who is also known by her stage name Big S, has died at the age of 48.

- Jan Lee

The news was confirmed on Feb 3 in a statement sent out to Taiwanese media by her family via the manager of her younger sister, famed TV host Dee Hsu, 46.

According to Taiwanese news outlet Star ETToday, the statement written primarily in Chinese read: "Thanks for all the concern. Over the Chinese New Year period, our entire family travelled to Japan for a holiday, and my most beloved, kindest elder sister Barbie came down with influenza-related pneumonia and has unfortunately left us.

"I am thankful to be her sister in this life, and grateful that we have taken care of each other and kept each other company all these years. I will always be thankful to her and remember her. Shan (Barbie Hsu's nickname), rest in peace. We love you always. Together remember forever."

The statement did not clarify when and where Barbie Hsu died. But Taiwanese television producer Wang Wei-chung, a close friend of the Hsu family, later told Taiwanese reporters in a statement that the family are still in Japan, where Hsu died, and are in the midst of taking her remains home.