Tragic news has emerged as Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, famous for her portrayal in the 2001 TV series "Meteor Garden", has died at the age of 48. Local media reports indicate that Hsu succumbed to pneumonia after contracting influenza during a holiday in Japan. The announcement was made by her sister, Dee Hsu, who expressed her heartfelt grief through Taiwan's TVBS News, stating, "My dearest sister Barbie has unfortunately left us after getting pneumonia, triggered by an influenza."

Barbie Hsu, a household name in the Mandarin-speaking world, gained immense popularity with "Meteor Garden," which has been dubbed in various languages, making her a star in countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand. Following the confirmation of her death, the news sparked an emotional reaction from fans across social media, with the actress trending on Weibo. Heartbroken fans expressed their disbelief, with one comment reflecting the sentiments of many: "I can't believe it."

In "Meteor Garden," Hsu portrayed Shancai, a struggling student caught in a complex love scenario among wealthy heirs portrayed by the famous Taiwanese boyband F4. The series was inspired by a popular Japanese manga from the 1990s and continues to maintain dedicated fans across the region. Its impact has led to multiple adaptations in countries like Japan, South Korea, mainland China, and India, solidifying Hsu's legacy in entertainment.

As this breaking news unfolds, further details are expected, with news outlets providing updates. For immediate alerts, you can follow @BBCBreaking on X.