Ken Chu Pays Tribute to Barbie Hsu Following Her Passing
KEN CHU – The co-star of the iconic Taiwanese series Meteor Garden, paid tribute to his late friend and fellow cast member, Barbie Hsu, following her tragic passing.
The Taiwanese singer and actor expressed his grief on Instagram by posting a black image on his Stories, followed by a nostalgic throwback photo featuring the Meteor Garden cast, including Barbie, Vic Chou, Jerry Yan, and Vanness Wu. The image, showing the original F4 and their leading lady, stirred deep emotions among fans of the show, which first aired in 2001 and became a massive hit across Asia.
Meteor Garden is remembered for its unforgettable storyline centered around Shan Cai, portrayed by Barbie Hsu, a poor girl who finds herself entangled with four wealthy boys. Ken Chu played Xi Men, one of the central characters. The drama’s widespread success led to the formation of the boy band F4, with Ken, Vic, Jerry, and Vanness gaining immense popularity following the show’s success. Barbie’s portrayal of Shan Cai made her a household name, and Meteor Garden remains one of the most beloved Asian dramas of the early 2000s.
Barbie Hsu tragically passed away at the age of 48 due to pneumonia after contracting influenza while on vacation in Japan. Her family and agent confirmed the news, expressing their sorrow to the public. Barbie is survived by her husband, South Korean musician DJ Koo, and her two children from her previous marriage to Chinese entrepreneur Wang Xiao Fei, whom she divorced in 2021.
Ken Chu’s heartfelt tribute and the shared memories from Meteor Garden have reminded fans of Barbie Hsu’s lasting impact on the entertainment industry. Her passing has left a void, but her legacy as Shan Cai and her contributions to Asian drama will continue to be cherished by fans worldwide.