Hana Yori Dango (Boys Over Flowers) creator Yoko Kamio has released a statement mourning the untimely passing of Meteor Garden actor Barbie Hsu. Hsu, also known as Big S, portrayed Shan Cai in Meteor Garden, the Taiwanese live-action adaptation of Hana Yori Dango. Her character was the counterpart to Makino Tsukushi, the heroine of Kamio’s original manga.
According to the BBC, Hsu passed away at 48 from pneumonia after falling ill in Japan. Her sister, Dee Hsu, also known as Little S, confirmed the tragic news in a statement shared by her manager. “During the Lunar New Year, our family came to Japan for vacation. My dearest sister Barbie has unfortunately left us after getting pneumonia, triggered by influenza,” Dee said.
Although Barbie and Dee first gained fame as a pop duo, Meteor Garden catapulted Barbie into another level of stardom. That success was unsurprising, given that Hana Yori Dango remains one of the best-selling manga of all time.
Following reports of Hsu’s passing, Kamio shared a heartfelt tribute on X (formerly Twitter):
“台湾版の花より男子、流星花園でつくしを演じてくださった徐熙媛さんがお亡くなりに…。かわいい笑顔がとても印象的な方でした。本当に悲しく残念でなりません。心よりご冥福をお祈りします。”
Milk Tea Drama (@/SMilkdrama on X) provided a translation:
“She was a very memorable person with a cute smile. I am truly saddened and upset. We sincerely pray for the repose of her soul.”
Source: X, formerly known as Twitter
