The news has rippled across the globe, leaving a somber silence in its wake.
Fans of Asian entertainment, particularly those who grew up with the iconic Taiwanese drama Meteor Garden, are reeling from the loss of Barbie Hsu, the actress who brought the fiery and unforgettable Shan Cai to life. The internet, a place where fandoms thrive and memories are shared, is awash with tributes, expressing grief, admiration, and a deep sense of loss for a star who touched so many hearts.
Barbie Hsu, also known as Da S, was more than just a pretty face.
She was a force of nature, a talented actress who captivated audiences with her expressive eyes, her undeniable charisma, and her ability to portray characters with depth and vulnerability.
She passed away on February 2, at the age of 48.

Barbie Hsu's journey began in Taipei, Taiwan, where she was born into a family that would later become deeply involved in the entertainment industry.
She entered the scene at a young age, initially as a singer alongside her sister, Dee Hsu (Xiao S), forming the duo ASOS. This foray into the entertainment world paved the way for her acting career.
Her breakthrough role came in 2001 with Meteor Garden, a drama that became a phenomenon across Asia, and also beyond. Playing the spirited and resilient Shan Cai, she captured the hearts of millions. The drama's success catapulted her to international stardom, making her a household name and solidifying her place as a leading lady in Taiwanese entertainment.
Following the immense success of Meteor Garden, Hsu's career flourished.
She starred in a variety of dramas where she showcased a more mature and complex character, and films that demonstrated her versatility across genres.
She wasn't afraid to take on challenging roles, often portraying characters who were strong-willed, independent, and complex.
Beyond acting, Hsu also explored other avenues in the entertainment industry, including hosting television shows and writing books.
This multifaceted approach to her career showcased her diverse talents and solidified her position as a prominent figure in the Taiwanese entertainment scene.

Despite her career in the entertainment industry spanned for over a decade, her name was still associated with Meteor Garden.
It was a cultural phenomenon that swept across Asia and beyond, introducing the world to the captivating world of Taiwanese dramas and solidifying the "F4" as heartthrobs for a generation.
While Meteor Garden is a Taiwanese approach to the popular drama franchise based on the Japanese manga "Hana Yori Dango," Meteor Garden was a rare instance at the time, in which the phenomenon sparked many adaptations of the series.
They include Hana Yori Dango from Japan, Boys Over Flowers from South Korea, Meteor Shower from China, Meteor Garden which is a reboot of the original Meteor Garden but from China, F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers from Thailand, and more.
Barbie Hsu's Shan Cai, a strong-willed and independent young woman who dared to stand up to the privileged and powerful.
She wasn't just a damsel in distress; she was a fighter, a loyal friend, and a passionate lover. Shan Cai resonated with audiences because she was relatable, flawed, and ultimately, incredibly human.
Barbie Hsu embodied this character perfectly, bringing her to life with a fiery spirit and a touch of vulnerability that made her instantly endearing.
Putting aside her professional career, Hsu was a wife, a mother, and a public figure who often used her platform to speak out about issues she cared about.
She was known for her outspokenness and her willingness to stand up for what she believed in. This authenticity, combined with her talent and charisma, made her a role model for many.

The outpouring of grief on social media is a testament to the impact Barbie Hsu had on people's lives.
Fans are sharing their favorite "Meteor Garden" moments, reminiscing about how her performance inspired them, and expressing their gratitude for the joy she brought to their lives. Many are also sharing stories of her kindness and generosity, further cementing her legacy as not just a talented actress, but also a compassionate and genuine human being.
The loss of Barbie Hsu is a profound one, not just for her family and friends, but for the entire entertainment industry and the countless fans whose lives she touched.
She leaves behind a legacy of unforgettable performances, a testament to her talent and dedication. While the pain of her passing is deeply felt, her memory will live on through her work, inspiring future generations of actors and actresses and reminding us of the power of storytelling to connect us all.
The internet mourns the loss of a star that shone brightly, a woman who captivated us with her talent, her spirit, and her undeniable presence.
Hsu died of pneumonia, which was a result of a complication that stemmed from influenza.

She passed away during a trip to Japan for the Lunar New Year holiday, as confirmed by her sister, Dee Hsu.
The news about Hsu's death came after a netizen said on Facebook on February 2, that a Taiwanese celebrity married to a foreigner has died at age 48. This made a lot of people to speculate that Hsu, who is married to South Korean musician Koo Jun-yup, had died.
Many netizens initially thought the news was a hoax, as Hsu was recently at a homecoming banquet to celebrate the marriage of Wang Wei-chung’s daughter on January 25 and looked to be healthy and in good spirits.
Wang is a Taiwanese television producer, a close friend of the Hsu family.
She also appeared with the rest of her family in a New Year post by Koo on December 31, and looked to be well then too.
In the wake of Hsu's sudden death, Jerry Yan posted a heartfelt tribute to his Meteor Garden co-star on a post on the Chinese social media platform Weibo on the evening of February 3.
"Thankful for meeting you. In your carefree childlike years, you used to say, treat every day as if it were your last. To have a good time. May this time you walk slowly. From now on, in another world, there will be no troubles and the years will be peaceful," he wrote in Chinese.
Hsu and Yan became iconic for their pairing in the Meteor Garden, since in the 27-episode series, they were polar opposite.
In the series, Hsu portrayed Shan Cai, a poor yet strong-willed girl who attended a school for rich teens, where she met the "F4" (four handsome students from influential families: Jerry Yan as Dao Ming Si, Vic Chou as Huaze Lei, Ken Chu as Ximen, and Vanness Wu as Meizuo). They all bullied Shan Cai because of her status in life, but they later became her friends.
Eventually, hate turned to love, as Dao Ming Si and Shan Cai fell in love with each other.