The Enduring Legacy Of Barbie Hsu: Inside The Post-Mortem Drama And Custody Battle Rumors
The entertainment world was shaken to its core on February 2, 2025, with the devastating news of the passing of Taiwanese superstar Barbie Hsu (Xu Xiyuan), affectionately known as 'Big S,' at the age of 48. The actress, singer, and television host, whose career spanned over three decades, left behind a monumental legacy cemented by her iconic role as Shancai in the pan-Asian hit drama Meteor Garden.
As fans and colleagues mourned the loss of a childhood icon, the personal drama that had plagued her later years—particularly the highly publicized divorce and financial disputes with her ex-husband, Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei—did not cease. Instead, the controversy intensified, shifting focus to the custody of her two young children and a bitter debt battle that continued to play out in the media in the months following her death.
Barbie Hsu: A Life and Career Profile (1976–2025)
Shi-yuan "Barbie" Hsu, or Xu Xiyuan, was one of East Asia’s most recognizable and influential celebrities. Her career trajectory moved seamlessly from music to television, film, and hosting, establishing her as a true multi-hyphenate.
- Full Name: Shi-yuan Hsu (徐熙媛)
- Stage Name: Big S (Dà S)
- Born: October 6, 1976, in Taipei, Taiwan
- Died: February 2, 2025, at the age of 48
- Resting Place: Chin Pao San Cemetery, New Taipei City
- Sister: Dee Hsu (Xu Xidi), also known as Little S (Xiao S)
- Musical Debut: 1994, as part of the pop duo S.O.S. (Sisters of Shiu), later rebranded as A.S.O.S.
- Breakthrough Role: Dong Shancai in the Taiwanese idol drama Meteor Garden (2001–2002)
- Notable Works: Mars, Corner with Love, Summer's Desire, and the film Connected.
- First Marriage: Wang Xiaofei (m. 2011; div. 2021)
- Second Marriage: Koo Jun-yup (m. 2022)
- Children: Two, from her marriage to Wang Xiaofei.
Her role as the resilient Shancai in Meteor Garden not only launched her to pan-Asian superstardom but also ushered in the era of Mandarin idol dramas, making her a defining figure of early 2000s television.
The Devoted Husband: Koo Jun-yup's Pledge of Protection
Barbie Hsu's final years were marked by a romantic reunion that captured global headlines. After her divorce from Wang Xiaofei, she reconnected with her former flame from two decades prior, South Korean rapper and DJ Koo Jun-yup (a member of the group Clon). Their whirlwind reunion and subsequent marriage in 2022 were described as a fairy tale of second chances.
Following her passing in early 2025, Koo Jun-yup's devotion became a central part of the media narrative. He publicly expressed his grief, vowing to protect his late wife's children from the ongoing public scrutiny and drama. Sources in July 2025 reported that DJ Koo was frequently spotted visiting Barbie Hsu's resting place at the Chin Pao San Cemetery, a testament to his enduring love and commitment. His public statements emphasized his role as a protector, ensuring the children's well-being was prioritized amidst the controversies stirred up by their biological father.
The Lingering Feud: Wang Xiaofei, Custody, and Debt Disputes
Despite Barbie Hsu's death, the contentious relationship with her ex-husband, Wang Xiaofei, continued to dominate headlines throughout 2025. The former couple’s divorce settlement had included ongoing financial obligations from Wang to Hsu, which became the source of continuous public and legal battles.
Custody Battle Rumors and Public Statements
Immediately following the news of her passing, speculation arose in February 2025 about a potential fierce custody battle for the two children. Wang Xiaofei, the children's biological father, was rumored to be stepping up his efforts to gain full custody. This added another layer of complexity to the already strained relationship between the Wang and Hsu families.
The Debt Dispute with Hsu's Mother
The financial drama escalated when the focus shifted from Barbie Hsu to her mother, Huang Chun-mei. In late 2025, Hsu's mother lashed out at Wang Xiaofei publicly over the unresolved debt dispute stemming from the divorce agreement. This public confrontation highlighted the deeply entrenched animosity between the two families. Wang Xiaofei’s new wife, Mandy, even became involved, expressing confusion over the debt claims and questioning the public nature of Huang Chun-mei's approach.
Further compounding the drama, in February 2025, Wang Xiaofei announced he was severing ties with his own mother, Zhang Lan, amid the ongoing public disputes. This move was widely interpreted as an attempt to distance himself from the toxic public image that had been generated by the family's continuous media appearances and online outbursts, but it did little to quell the scrutiny surrounding the Hsu-Wang financial and custody issues.
Barbie Hsu's Enduring Cultural Impact and Topical Authority
Barbie Hsu's legacy extends far beyond her personal life and the tabloid drama that followed her. She was instrumental in shaping the landscape of East Asian pop culture. Her work with her sister, Dee Hsu (Little S), in the Mandopop duo A.S.O.S., established them as formidable entertainers long before the Meteor Garden phenomenon.
The success of the 2001 idol drama Meteor Garden, based on the Japanese manga Boys Over Flowers, was a cultural watershed moment. Her portrayal of the determined Shancai, opposite the members of the boy band F4 (Dao Ming Si, Hua Ze Lei, Xi Men, and Mei Zhuo), is credited with kicking off the "idol drama" boom across Asia, influencing subsequent remakes and the careers of countless actors.
Even in death, Barbie Hsu remains a figure of intense public interest, a woman who, according to those close to her, "lived and loved with fierce intensity." The ongoing narrative of her life—from her early fame as Big S to her final, loving marriage with Koo Jun-yup and the dramatic fallout with Wang Xiaofei—ensures that her name, her work, and her story will continue to hold a prominent place in the history of Taiwanese and global Chinese entertainment for years to come. Her life was a testament to the power of a resilient spirit in the face of relentless public and private battles.
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