Taiwanese actress and pop star Barbie Hsu, widely known as “Big S,” has tragically passed away at the age of 48 due to pneumonia triggered by the flu. Hsu, who gained fame for her leading role in the 2001 hit television drama Meteor Garden, was traveling in Japan during the Lunar New Year with her family when she fell ill. Her sister, Dee Hsu, confirmed the news on Monday, expressing her deep grief and stating, “I will always be grateful to her and miss her” as reported by South China Morning Post.

Hsu’s role as Shan Cai in Meteor Garden catapulted her to iconic status across Asia, making her a household name not just in Taiwan but in numerous countries, including the Philippines and Thailand, where the show resonated strongly with audiences. Her portrayal of a girl from a modest background entangled in romantic adventures with affluent classmates left a lasting cultural impact, even inspiring multiple remakes throughout the years.

Born on October 6, 1976, Barbie Hsu started her career in show business as part of the pop duo S.O.S alongside her sister. She transitioned to acting with remarkable success, continuing to star in various dramas and films following her breakthrough role, and becoming a prominent figure in the Asian entertainment industry. Hsu's sudden death shocked fans and colleagues alike, trending on China’s Weibo social media platform with over 1.5 billion views as tributes poured in from around the region, including heartfelt messages from former co-stars such as F4 member Ken Chu, who expressed disbelief over her untimely passing.

Aside from her entertainment career, Hsu was known for her activism in animal rights and had collaborated with organizations like PETA. Hsu is survived by her husband, Korean musician Koo Jun-yup, and her two children from her previous marriage to Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei, as reported by AP News and BBC.

Tributes continue to flood social media, as fans remember her vibrant spirit and lasting influence on Asian pop culture. "This is really hard to believe," shared a Weibo user, while others expressed sorrow for the loss of such a beloved figure. Her legacy will undoubtedly live on through her contributions to music and television.