The sudden passing of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, renowned for her role as Shan Cai in the 2001 hit drama Meteor Garden, has left fans across Asia in deep mourning. Hsu, aged 48, succumbed to pneumonia induced by influenza during a family vacation in Japan. Her sister, Dee Hsu, confirmed the tragic news, expressing profound sorrow and gratitude for their time together.
After this heartbreaking event, a poignant video featuring Jerry Yan, Hsu’s co-star in Meteor Garden, has resurfaced and gone viral. Yan delivers an emotional rendition of Qing Fei De Yi in the video, the show’s iconic theme song. This performance has deeply resonated with fans, evoking memories of the beloved series and the enduring chemistry between the two leads.
Shan Cai, Barbie Hsu, you taught me the most important lesson in life na hanggang adulthood dala-dala ko pa rin. HUWAG KANG MAGHAHABOL SA LALAKI KUNG HINDI SIYA KASING GWAPO NI JERRY YAN. Love you, Queen. Rest in paradise! 😭 pic.twitter.com/kZ3LsHaeFB
— Khun Jerome เจอโรม (@SabiNiJerome) February 3, 2025
Jerry Yan portrayed Dao Ming Si, the charismatic leader of the F4 group, who becomes romantically involved with Hsu’s character, Shan Cai. Their on-screen relationship became a cultural phenomenon, significantly contributing to the show’s widespread acclaim. Meteor Garden not only propelled its cast to stardom but also played a pivotal role in popularizing Taiwanese dramas across Asia, including in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand.
Barbie Hsu’s career began at the age of 17 when she formed the pop duo S.O.S with her sister, Dee. She later transitioned to acting, achieving international fame with Meteor Garden. Beyond her acting career, Hsu was known for her advocacy of animal rights, collaborating with organizations like PETA. She is survived by her husband, South Korean musician DJ Koo, and two children from her previous marriage.
The re-emergence of Jerry Yan’s heartfelt performance has provided solace to many fans, offering a moment of reflection on the enduring impact of Meteor Garden and the cherished memories of Barbie Hsu’s portrayal of Shan Cai. As the video continues to circulate, it stands as a testament to the lasting legacy of both the series and its beloved stars.