A leaked video of the late Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu in Japan has drawn widespread attention, showing her pale and fatigued while leaning on her husband DJ Koo.
The footage was captured by a driver escorting the couple during their trip and was widely shared on Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu on Tuesday, as reported by Sinchew.
Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu appears visibly weak as she rests her head on her husband’s shoulder during a trip to Japan on Jan. 29, 2025. Photo from Weibo
The video was taken on Jan. 29, shortly after Hsu and Koo landed at a Japanese airport. The actress was seen resting her head on her husband’s shoulder, looking visibly weak. The driver claimed that during the ride to their hotel, Hsu appeared physically unwell, with pale lips and difficulty sitting upright.
The video, uploaded from an IP address in Japan, has since been deleted.
Hsu’s family confirmed her passing in a statement released by her sister, Taiwanese host Dee Hsu, on Monday.
“Thank you for all the concern,” Dee expressed. “Over the Lunar New Year period, our entire family traveled to Japan for a holiday, and my most beloved, kindest elder sister Barbie caught influenza-related pneumonia and has unfortunately left us.”
“I am thankful to be her sister in this life, and grateful that we have taken care of each other and kept each other company all these years. I will always be thankful to her and remember her,” she continued. “Shan [Hsu’s nickname], rest in peace. We love you always. Together remember forever.”
Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu. Photo from Weibo
Hsu’s cremation ceremony took place in Japan. According to TVBS, her husband, South Korean musician DJ Koo, is expected to bring her ashes back to Taiwan on Feb. 6.
Hsu, 49, reportedly missed two critical chances to be saved, including one when she refused hospitalization because she had already booked return flight tickets, according to leaked medical records. Prior to her death, Hsu had previously faced life-threatening health issues.
Hsu gained fame from her roles in TV series such as “Meteor Garden,” “Mars,” and “Summer’s Desire.” Her personal life, especially her marriages, has always been a focal point of public and media interest.
She was married to Wang, 43, from 2011 until their divorce in 2021, and they have two children together.
Following the divorce, Hsu reunited with her ex-boyfriend, South Korean musician DJ Koo, and married him in Feb. 2022. The couple resumed their life together until her untimely death.
Wang later married Mandy in May 2024.
