‘Big S’ Barbie Hsu dead at 48

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News of the sudden death of Taiwanese actress and host Hsu Shiyuan - better known as Barbie Hsu or “Big S” - has sent shock waves across the internet. Fans posted tributes after Hsu’s family said in a statement that she died after contracting influenza while travelling in Japan. The flu reportedly triggered pneumonia that took her life on January 3, 2025. Hsu became popular for her starring role in the 2001 TV drama Meteor Garden and for decades had performed with her younger sister Dee, also known as “Small S”.
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[@AdududuAdadada-k1d]

She died before her time.. RIP Shan Cai ❤ from the Philippines, Filipino people will never forget you..

[@amirsilvestretwentynine6586]

Indeed i watch his interview

[@VesperAegis]

Very sad. A poignant reminder also that if you are sick, please mask up.

[@happymelon7129]

died of pneumonia. 😨 during a family trip to ""Japan"" over the Lunar New Year holiday.

[@skipah2012]

​@@amirsilvestretwentynine6586*her

[@happymelon7129]

😨Japan's health authorities said in January that the number of local influenza cases in the last week of December hit the highest single-week record in 25 years.

[@smama29]

still cant believe it. . she just got married to her first love and starting new chapter of her life again. . so sad.. thank you for making our younger years memorable with your drama meteor garden. .we will never forget you

[@ck-bs2ms]

Her husband is her first love?

[@suprihadi6986]

​Not first love but first husband n the last@@ck-bs2ms

[@shawnshawn8888]

Ikr. But her love with blackie chen is the most touching.

[@easterng8284]

She will forever be our very special Shancai 🙏🙏

[@ia_1010]

​@@ck-bs2ms I don't think so. She has dated few people before Koo.

[@Rianyeryer]

I loved how she stood up against elite class in Meteor Garden. I learned so much Chinese from her before and during my exchange year in Taiwan. RIP 大S you’ll always be in my heart

[@acesrusselcloud5676]

Their drama Meteor Garden is the game changer of the Philippines drama in television. Thank you for making my childhood memorable through METEOR GARDEN. You will always be missed.

[@johnweak-123]

thank you pfizer vaccine 😉

[@jenzzzzz]

Gone too soon…. i was shocked. I used to watch Meteor Garden when I was younger. Rest in Peace 😢

[@Ai.Preacher]

Me too

[@reincarnate3440]

I just saw the push, absolutely jaw dropping... She's still so young, RIP.

[@nafriz2010]

Yes. One of my favorite series.

[@RealbtsVmin]

She wasn't in Meteor garden ,it was her sister Dee Su

[@allfame95]

​@@RealbtsVminhilom dha ulol

[@whiteroseee10]

My heart broke for her kids, losing their mom so young. RIP Barbie Hsu. She's part of my childhood, all thanks to Meteor Garden ❤ You'll always be our Shan Cai ❤

[@jinkynibalbos1209]

🙏

[@NeonelCabillo]

😢 goodbye my idol s

[@kavi1501]

Yes very shocking to hear . Feeling sad for her kids

[@Amie_Hann]

Thank you for being part of my childhood, Big S. San Cai character gives me strength to face bullies in my highschool days. Rest in peace now and you will always be an icon for us Filipino fans 😢🕊️🙏🏼

[@-Raylight]

Meteor Garden was our childhood. RIP, thank you for so many great memories 😭😭

[@dianamoore2241]

I'm posting this from Knoxville Tennessee USA and sending sympathy and prayers to the family and friends of this beautiful young lady 💕.

[@apsalmlikegrace]

Glad to see another Tennessean here; Most people I interact with wouldn’t know who she is or feel the impact of her loss. I loved her in “Meteor Garden” and since then I’ve clicked on videos whenever I see Barbie’s name pop up. Her passing is a bit of a wake up call to me. Life truly is too short…

[@dianamoore2241]

​@@apsalmlikegrace.....Hi...I have subscribed to this Channel & many others across the USA , because I like to know what is going on in different places. I have a lot of News Channels on my phone. Plus, Channels about entertainment, animals, ... just ever so many😊... Not that you asked but I 'm Knoxville.

[@_kittro]

!!! Gone too soon! I gasped so loud I think my neighbor heard it. I was a kid when Meteor Garden was on TV in the Philippines. It’s been so long but I still know of Barbie Hsu as others do I am sure. Her impact was huge and she has touched so many lives. She will be remembered. Sending out thoughts and prayers, may she rest in peace.

[@user-lx1dy3iw1z]

Rest in peace. Such a beautiful lady . So sad.

[@gigi9301]

SKetchy Why/how does a healthy young lady just pass away like this

[@rigelothello709]

​@@gigi9301 From what I know, she was in Japan for Chinese New Year holiday. In there, she got influenza. And later, her condition becomes worse, with a pneumonia. And on February 2nd, she passed away.

[@gigi9301]

@ How did Later even happen?

[@Hello0x0]

I cannot believe at just 48 she passed :( is a flu really that powerful

[@ealexgu]

@@gigi9301 what do you mean how? influenza is a common cause for pneumonia. That's why getting yearly flu shots is important.

[@jibb1570]

This is shocking news. Hard to believe died so young n sudden. Brought alot of happiness for the audience during the years. May she Rest In Peace. ⚘️⚘️💐

[@MTC008]

she died way too earlier, rest in peace great actress, everyone loves you.

[@cashewnuttel9054]

Why couldn't it be Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, eh?

[@MTC008]

@@cashewnuttel9054 who's that?

[@cashewnuttel9054]

@ An African tyrant.

[@MTC008]

@ why would i care for that?

[@genlongtsang1093]

@@MTC008 lol

[@ellaamos9904]

It's not just that I'm a fan of her work, she seemed to have character in real life. Her poor family. This is a terrible shock. Condolences from Arizona.

[@wnderjuan2344]

This is Sad. Thank you Shancai for the Beautiful memories, Our childhood and teenage years were the Best Because of Meteor Garden series. We LOVE and we'll MISS you fro PHILIPPINES.

[@cashewnuttel9054]

You love her even though the Taiwanese burned down failippine flag before?

[@hiskandar]

@@cashewnuttel9054Just like you love USA even after it colonized your country until today 😂

[@wnderjuan2344]

@@cashewnuttel9054 I dont care who u are and whatever u said

[@cashewnuttel9054]

@@wnderjuan2344 Cared enough to reply. Any way, you remember that time you shot up their fisherman?

[@ytuseracct]

@@cashewnuttel9054 Meteor Garden was a PHENOMENON in the philippines and is a pioneer of idol dramas. It was a cultural reset. Japan and South Korea then followed.

[@STREETFOODJOURNEY5]

RIP Queen 😩

[@Holamiamigo1]

Bro that emoji is wild 😭

[@Kyōbōna]

🤤🤤😩😫😫rip

[@mcg5888]

Bet you don't even know this actress is. You're just advertising your channel.

[@jackikimble8614]

Condolences to her family, friends and fans 🌹

[@jkbpower9]

I am a fan. I don’t care. She is a nobody

[@AC-LING666]

😂🤣😂😂

[@YoureMatter-v3z]

My 80 year old father is still in the hospital for 2 weeks now fighting Klebsiella pneumoniae. I'm glas he's recovering now but he can only eat biscuits dip in ensure milk. Shanchai is still young to die young. I

[@theish5661]

The whole Philippines is mourning together with your family right now. Rest in Peace Ms. Barbie Hsu. 🌷🌷🌷

[@alexa.8427]

i remember, i was at senior high school when this beautiful lady appear in Meteor Garden. And for me, she was the most beautiful girl that i ever saw in my life ..and now this gorgeous lady have take rest in peace..i pray that you will find beautiful place to rest in the kingdom of heaven..Angels just add one more member..thanks for making my teenager life full with memory of Meteor Garden..Rest in Peace

[@syanimal]

In 2001, I was 12 years old in that time and we didn't have smart TV or Color TV. We watched Meteor Garden TV series or We called F4 with black color TV in our small house with our relatives and neighbors. Everyone loved and never missed this TV series. She made our childhood full of love and today 3rd Feb, 2025 I was shocked. May Her Soul Rest easy in Grace and LOVE. Thank for being a part of our Childhood.

[@allfame95]

Wow You still have black and white tv in 2003? Old tv's are really built different. We watch it on our small screen but bulky sony tv with very long antenna 😅. Jokes aside i'm really sad about her death our childhood was full of wonderful memories because of meteor garden 😢😢😢

[@qida2937]

we are the same age. She is part of our childhood!

[@lasheioli]

Believe it or not, many Filipinos are mourning right now. You’ll forever live in hearts San Cai..

[@markzoldyck]

Meteor Garden is one of the most popular TV dramas in the Philippines in 2003.... Gone so young!!!! R.I.P Barbie Hsu aka Shan cai

[@DimasAdi-c5p]

Also in indonesia

[@amirsilvestretwentynine6586]

Also in the Philippines

[@digitalfanboy6557]

Also worldwide

[@bobodalasousupreme3812]

@@digitalfanboy6557 its only in asia tho

[@AlphaWarsaw]

Rest in peace you will never be forgotten.

[@nguyentrinh793]

i send the condolence to her family, friends and fans. She leave at youth. May her family and people keep her in heart and can overcome these lost pain in this time. My prayer are with you. Please rest in peace.

[@irinatran51]

This is chocking news, I used to follow her when she was active in the show business. So sad for her family. RIP Barbie

[@FFaymYest]

Gone too soon. Mars is one of my classic and iconic dramas. The quality was amazing and the theme rare. RIP. Condoleances for her family.

[@crimemastergogo7878]

She was 48? Seriously? She looked so much younger. May she rest in peace.

[@William-L-Main]

RIP. Recalling watching her variety show back then.

[@justmytwocentsdontgetmad]

A pop culture icon that contributed to the rise in global popularity of Asian dramas. Way back before K-dramas were popular, there was the Taiwanese drama Meteor Garden. Thank you for entertaining us Ms. Hsu! Rest in Peace

[@SuryaSurya-re3vn]

When it's time, no one can escape from the death. My deepest condolences to her family.. RIP...

[@sjelinelukiman673]

Lady Di, Barbie died still remembered AS Beauties. People of beauty are joy to remember.

[@allindayslife2199]

Grabe nakakalungkot naman. Naalala ko pa dati pinapaunod lang namin sa Meteor Garden. You will never be forgotten, Barbue Hsu (San Cai). Rest in peace

[@h0rse8]

Barbie became part of Philippine pop culture via meteor garden during early 2000😢 everyone is getting crazy over F4 drama..

[@Haruzak1]

She was so popular in Indonesia too, all young people watched Meteor Garden back in early 2000s

[@pizzaburgerparty]

Wow she really was a superstar in the 2000's around Asia. 😢

[@krism5575]

This saddens me. She's part of my childhood, Meteor Garden 😢 my condolences to the family. 🇵🇭💚

[@Elaba_]

I am 48 and went through the same but survived. When you're sick on the airways always measure your oxygen saturation at home. Such a device costs only 50 euro and will get you to the hospital sooner to increase your survival chance.

[@happynerd0440]

This is so heartbreaking! You will forever be missed our one and only Shancai/Barbie. Gone too soon. You are loved by millions especially Filipino people. Thank you for making our childhood memories memorable.😭💔🙏💛 #ripshancai

[@MsLilac88]

Hope that Barbie rest in peace, she was a talented celebrity. 😢

[@TimelessTalesofChina]

Still in shock from the news. RIP Barbie. Always been a fan of you

[@ragebyte]

So sad. RIP

[@johnlucas6683]

Poor gal, still young. Loved her in meteor garden. May she rest in peace.

[@kento2851]

She will always be the face of Meteor Garden, Shan Chai forevermore RIP Barbie Hsu 🙏

[@wobupala我不怕啦]

I visit japan 2 weeks ago came home after 3 days had the most sudden, unbelievable sickness i have never felt before, vomiting and diaherra constant for 8hrs, rushed to hospital, shortness of breath felt like i was dying. I caution you with your travel there right now. My wife and i think its odd to hear this news also….

[@fauzianalwoga]

Died at just a few years older than my now late mum who passed away in 2023😢

[@Baohep]

I'm sorry rip.

[@FebriaHPutri]

Her death at such a young age has left me in shock. I grew up watching Meteor Garden, and it was such a phenomenon back then. RIP 🙏

[@mason2547]

What a beautiful woman. So sad! RIP😢😢

[@snowwhite5742]

so sorry so sorry to hear the news. just make me want to cry. my prayers are with the family.

[@clauthequeen]

People who think flu or covid is a joke should pay attention. 😢

[@lihanou]

People don’t take it seriously because so called freedom.

[@ck-bs2ms]

Yup! That is why people shouldn't complain why Asian countries especially Japanese wearing mask... They wear mask because of flu and pollens during cold seasont

[@shawnshawn8888]

​@@lihanoudepends on your region

[@PNRen]

@@lihanou People understand that respiratory viruses have been a part of human existence from the beginning, but that navigating risks is an essential part of human progress. Cowering in fear of an inescapable fact of life is a recipe for disaster.

[@lihanou]

@ there is a difference between cowering in fear and being cautious. Many things as simple as putting on a mask, washing hands, using sanitizer do not get in the way of living. They take seconds to do and could potentially save millions lives.

[@petsandthingsilike]

This is so sad. She was still so young. 😢 RIP beautiful lady

[@IndianKat]

48 is such a young age. So sad. RIP

[@Rahari]

My heart dropped when i read the title. RIP so sad to see her gone to soon.

[@eugeneesteban5322]

RIP Shan Cai thanks for being part of my childhood days pure goodvibes when i watching meteor garden so sad to our Chinese, Hong Kongese, Taiwanese enetertainment condolences to her family, friends, and especially to her worldwide fans

[@RamonaRamona-u5p]

Not all Hongkong citizens are her fans

[@RamonaRamona-u5p]

Not all Hongkong citizens are her fans

[@fernandogonata4683]

@@RamonaRamona-u5p and he never said that

[@Ve_Meidasari]

​@@RamonaRamona-u5p if you cant say/write something nice, just be quite. There will time for you to grieve and you dont expect people to say something bitter about yours.

[@StephenYoung1379]

She is Chinese & Hong Kongers, Taiwanese are also Chinese why do you lie and make it seem they are different race?

[@leama9372]

Meteor Garden changed my life when I first saw it. It was and will always be my favorite drama of all time. F4 and Barbie Hsu were a big part of my childhood and I am so saddened over her passing. May she rest forever in peace.

[@MTCycling]

Way too young, she will always be remember as Shan Cai in Meteor Garden. She got a legendary career. RIP

[@rocelcorbe9829]

90's solid fans Filipino..i was shocked and sad but thanks to inspired so many people in the Philippines❤️❤️❤️

[@carloss3139]

RIP, condolences from Korea 🇰🇷 dear maam. Also consolations and sincerest condolences for his husband Koo.

[@cottonlog]

Rest In Peace. Meteor Garden was one of my favorite dramas of all times. I still recalled certain scenes in the drama and yes, Da S was in those scenes- San Chai.

[@gillieperez3732]

Aww. Can't believe it. She's very popular here in the Philippines because of Meteor Garden with F4. Aww May You Rest In Peace Barbie Hsu😢❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏 we miss you so much

[@Palainom007]

Learned my first guitar solo studying one of their Meteor Garden songs. The one with their language and Tagalog language. That was way back in high school. I remember her unique beauty and charm. You will always be remembered madam.❤️ Thank you for inspiring so many people.

[@IzhayPascual]

I remembered I was always in a hurry to go home after school just to watch meteor garden bcoz of her😢.Too young to go😢.

[@Kokozaftran]

Iconic. Never watched her shows, but she was popular and beloved. Rest in peace.

[@wardenofthelight1122]

Rest in peace. I may not be a fan of her works, but my sister and mother does since wayback Meteor Garden. I know they will be sad when they hear this. Thank you for all the fun memories. :(

[@totodile7173]

Thank you for playing Shan Cai. You've been a part of our 90's childhood memories. Condolence to the bereaved family & may you rest in peace. 😢 -Philippines

[@yB_love]

she’s an icon who raised a whole generation 💔💔

[@Janu-lj9hf]

I loved her so much, her acting is what got me into asian dramas. Meteor Garden was my first asian drama I ever watched. I’m so sad. 😢

[@vincentyoung6991]

RIP, u bring us so much joy and pleasure, we will miss u as always ! Love from mainland China!

[@Sarang875]

R.I.P. Barbie Hsu, you’ve spread much joy to people around the world. I pray for your family to have the streets to get through this time until you meet again.

[@redrock7243]

It's a very sad day today😢 her family, friends and fans will surely miss her. My sincere condolences 😢

[@stephenlyan]

I used to have a crush on her. Her smile was beautiful. R.I.P

[@Bhdp7406shd-yr2ji]

I can’t believe it!! Did they even treat her right in Japan?!

[@user-zg5ey5xo9i]

From where are you?

[@alanc457]

@@user-zg5ey5xo9iit’s a fair question, medical negligence can occur anywhere

[@Mrshauny]

Pneumonia can be fatal if she didn’t have the influenza jab. And I think she has some underlying medical issue which may worsen her condition.

[@goldensperm7182]

​@Mrshauny yeah for her to die in such short period of time with that kind of disease makes me think that she had a weak immune system or had an underlying issues beforehand.

[@vanillasoftworks6876]

When in comes to treating foreigners notably Chinese, Japanese healthcare system might let some loopholes. Intentional neglect might passed it off as 'accidental' or 'cant be helped' later

[@SunnySunny-OT7]

I still remembered my family would gather to watch Meteor Garden 😢 RIP my childhood icon. This is so sad. 😭

[@Melarain1998]

Rest in peace Ms Barbie Hsu

[@everyxheart]

she was so young. i'll always remember her for bringing my favorite manga mars to life

[@lulunaseva6371]

Rest in peace sancai, thankyou for fill my teens phase with your meteor garden story with f4. Your hairstyling and the ost. will forever everlasting in indonesia fans memoir. #Fin❤

[@supportsj13]

This is very shocking for me. When I was in a primary school, I'm so obsessed with her dramas: Meteor Garden and Mars. R.I.P. 大S You're now angel in heaven 🤍

[@PaulBowman-y1r]

don't know about her , but its so tragic she's beautiful (((

[@lorayz]

i remember when i was a teenager battling with depression for the first time, big S and little S were the only ones who could cheer me up. i loved her in Meteor Garden and so many other shows and little S in Kang Xi Lai le. Meteor garden was the 2nd taiwanese show I ever watched and it's such a huge reason of why I started liking taiwanese entertainment and it was a gateway to other Asian shows...........I feel like Little S will never be the same after this ............. thank you Big S and I'll never forget you. You'll always have a place in my heart and I will treasure those early memories. I'm in such shock I feel like I will be for days and days...

[@CurlyTops25]

My first concert is when she got in here in the Philippines with jerry yan and Vic chou 😢... I can't believed this

[@myclover7848]

One of my childhood memories..she has a big impact in Philippine Television

[@tartaru749]

oh no, my childhood... condolences to her family :(

[@GameGuardian-pi4lc]

Unbelievable....seems like yesterday I was just watching my wife watch Meteor Garden (the OG). This honestly shocked me like Coco Lee's passing. RIP and my condolences, little S.

[@keyboardbunny]

Her statue actually doesn't look like her. She also gets more stunning with age. She's so fine. Pretty sad

[@ck-bs2ms]

Maybe at that time she was pregnant

[@Sammyduo214]

Millions of Millenial fans from the Philippines are in shock for this tragic loss :( we love you ShanCai. Thank you so much for our childhood happiness watching your show. We love you so much Barbie 😢 Rip to an ICON

[@Marguerite-wu3nw]

Totally shocked and ......saddened😢 RIP talented girl❤

[@Surftouka]

I just got on youtube & the first thing I see... left me in shock and in tears. She was my favorite female lead in all the versions of BOF/MG. I loved her & Vic Zhou and saw them in Mars together. Saddened to hear this, way too young. My sincerest sympathies to her family and loved ones. 😢

[@MrYoso-dv3gv]

Rip barbie or sancai we love you so much here in philippines

[@jstssungh]

my mom, whos obsessed with this drama will be so heartbroken by this news :( the fans are mourning with your family, Queen. RIP Ms. Hsu

[@happymelon7129]

😨Japan's health authorities said in January that the number of local influenza cases in the last week of December hit the highest single-week record in 25 years.

[@realist7239]

Almost got me last month

[@happymelon7129]

@@realist7239 😨🙏

[@happymelon7129]

🙏RIP Condolences to her family

[@user-qm7jw]

I wonder if she was ever vaccinated.

[@AbzVlogz]

Gone too soon

[@wchristinewong388]

RIP Barbie Hsu, I watched the whole series at age 22 Meteor Gardens with F4 and can not believe you are gone too soon. I very shocked about how you contracted VIRUS in JAPAN.

[@critique7767]

Rip Shancai 😢 meteor garden was a hit in philippines i remember everybody wanna go home before 5pm to watch it.

[@TinaGoldberg]

What a beautiful girl. Very sad.

[@user-rb5uw7zx3n]

SO sad! ! Will miss you… you were part of our youth!

[@user-rb5uw7zx3n]

in fact she and her sister embody an era - a golden era of Taiwan…

[@Maya-sv1pz]

when you are 48 and alive, people call you old. When you died at 48, people say you died too young. Make a decision, people! Also, RIP DaS.

[@davidsentanu7836]

Yeah, as if the words "young" and "old" are relative.

[@ck-bs2ms]

😒🙄

[@linnen_elm]

the art of gasslighting dood

[@FireKunai]

Because at that age, you lived long enough, but gone too soon since you didn’t reach the 75+ age

[@yogi30303]

Because things are relative. Like at 15 you're too young to get married but too old to not know how to ride a bicycle.

[@tinyblueorb-su6vc]

No one in this day and age should die from flu and/or pneumonia. Do they not have the flu and pneumonia vaccine? Was she not on medication? So sad and possibly preventable.

[@silverplim]

That’s what I’m confused about too. I got COVID and the flu back to back and I recovered with no meds. How does a healthy 48 year old just die of pneumonia like that? Could it be a weak immune system? Edit: On top of no meds I also have asthma and allergies so you would think I would’ve been more sensitive but nope.

[@shonen84]

My condolences to the family. What a tragic loss 😢 influenza is no joke, the government recommend to mask back up in hospitals and public spaces here in Belgium

[@RixMorales]

You were part of my youth, I grew up watching Meteor Garden and it was our habit to watch it everyday after school. Praying for your eternal repose 🙏🏻

[@hungchoonghow5857]

What the??? I am freaking sad, man! Watched so many of her Taiwanese variety TV shows in the 2000s. Rest in peace.

[@keyqchan]

She's the original BoF main lead. She brought so much joy to her fans like me. She will be missed greatly. Rest in peace, Miss Hsu~

[@yankeegirl890]

Rest in peace, Barbie. ❤😢

[@Shanks54328]

May she rest in peace and power, hope she can reunite with her family and friends one day in heaven.