It's hard to believe that the cute girl we've known for decades as Shan Cai in the phenomenal hit, Meteor Garden (2001 and 2002) has died. She was just 48, too young to die. She seemed to be in good health condition before traveling to Japan on Chinese New Year but we're all shocked to hear the news days later of her untimely passing. Why, oh why.
The last time Barbie (Xi Xiyuan) trended on social media was in April and May 2023 when she had a heated exchange of rants with her ex-husband, Wang Xiaofei. Up to the time of her death, she had unresolved conflicts, and lawsuits, with her former husband, with whom she had two young children.
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| Barbie Hsu 1976-2025 |
So what really happened on Barbie's travel to Japan?
According to Taiwanese media, Barbie was already unwell when she traveled with her family to Japan to spend the Chinese New Year. On January 29 they had an excursion to a hot spring which worsened her condition. She was brought to the hospital on January 31 and passed away in the early morning of February 2 due to pneumonia. Her body was cremated and her ashes were flown back to Taiwan on February 5.
It's sad to hear the news of her passing because Meteor Garden has been part of our youth. It was the first Asian Novela (non-Filipino series) to be aired on Philippine television and quickly became a household favorite. So for decades, despite so many Asian series (Thai, K-drama, C-drama) already airing on Philippine televisions and streaming apps, Meteor Garden held a special place in the hearts of Filipinos. Shan Cai and the rest of the characters of Meteor Garden are already part of the pop culture that we cannot forget.
But the untimely death of Barbie Hsu gave us lessons to never ignore any signs of illness, even how small the symptoms are, it might lead to something. Re-watching Meteor Garden felt so different now, May her soul truly rest in peace. Sending sincere condolences to her family.
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