In brief
Hsu's performance in "Meteor Garden" made her a pop culture phenomenon across Asia, beloved for her relatability and talent.
Barbie Hsu, the prominent Taiwanese actress known for her role in the groundbreaking teen drama “Meteor Garden,” sadly passed away at the age of 48 on February 2 in Tokyo. Her sister, Dee Hsu, announced her death to TVBS News in Taiwan, sharing that she succumbed to complications from the flu while vacationing with family in Japan.Hsu gained fame in the early 2000s for portraying Dong Shan Cai, a spirited yet innocent student from a lower-income background who faces challenges from a group of affluent boys known as F4 in the series. The show, based on the popular Japanese manga “Boys Over Flowers,” launched Hsu into stardom, with viewers drawn to her character’s relatable resilience. Iconically, she once expressed, “I am like a blade of grass; no matter how many times you cut me down, I will grow back and live again.”Her captivating performance and distinctive look resonated widely, with fans across Asia referring to her affectionately as Big S. Hsu's involvement in “Meteor Garden” significantly contributed to the show's phenomenon, merging the worlds of television and idol culture. The series not only showcased her acting prowess but also bolstered the careers of the boy band F4, highlighting the format of idol dramas that combine music and storytelling to captivate audiences.
