Barbie Hsu’s Memorial Statue Unveiled As Family & Friends Mark First Death Anniversary

Today (Feb 2) marks the first anniversary of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu’s passing and friends and family gathered at her grave at the Chin Pao San Cemetery in New Taipei for the unveiling of her memorial statue.

Barbie passed away at the age of 48 from influenza-related pneumonia while holidaying in Japan with her family.  

The ceremony took place at around 2pm and went ahead despite heavy rain.

The statue was designed by Barbie’s husband, South Korean rapper DJ Koo aka Koo Jun Yup, who has been seen regularly visiting her grave over the past year to keep her company.

Looking visibly thinner and solemn, DJ Koo arrived arm-in-arm with Barbie’s mother.

Barbie’s younger sister Dee Hsu, who has remained on an extended hiatus since her sister’s passing, was also present alongside her husband Mike Hsu.

Many close friends from the entertainment industry turned up to pay their respects, including Barbie’s Meteor Garden co-stars Jerry Yan, Vic Chou and Rainie Yang, as well as Blackie Chen and wife Christine Fan, Kevin Tsai, Matilda Tao, Show Lio, Mavis Fan, Aya, Super Junior’s Choi Siwon and more.

Barbie's two kids, daughter Wang Hsi Yueh, 11, and son Wang Hsi Lin, 10, with ex-husband Wang Xiaofei, were not present at the ceremony. The couple divorced in 2022 after 10 years of marriage.

As the ceremony began, background music played ‘姐妹情深’ (‘Sisters’ Deep Affection’), a song sung by Barbie and Dee, with lyrics written by Barbie herself.

The statue was unveiled by family members, revealing a delicate and serene sculpture of Barbie depicted as a long-haired young woman in a dress, her hair adorned with a bow and her hands gently clasped at her chest.

Though her eyes are closed, her expression is peaceful, reflecting the calm grace she was known for in life.

The statue sits on a marble base, with a metal ring surrounding it. Leading up to the statue are nine steps arranged in an “S” shape — a detail that subtly weaves together Barbie’s name and DK Koo’s surname, which sounds like “nine” in Korean.

Upon seeing the statue, Dee and her mum broke down in tears, taking turns to embrace and touch it.

The ceremony was hosted by Dee, who admitted she had shed countless tears over the past year and broke down several times during the event.

She thanked the friends and sisters who had stood by her side and invited everyone to share their memories of Barbie.

Members of their close-knit “Seven Fairies” group, including Aya and Mavis, were overcome with emotion, prompting Dee to tease them for being “hypocritical.” The group later embraced one another and sang ‘Girls’ Party’ together.