Celebrated South Korean musician Koo Jun-yup marked the first anniversary of his wife Barbie Hsu’s death with a profoundly moving act of remembrance, reinforcing his commitment as a devoted widower. The Taiwanese actress, famous internationally as ‘Big S,’ passed away a year ago, and her husband’s constant presence at her resting place has drawn widespread attention and admiration.
The latest testament to this enduring grief comes from a segment filmed by the South Korean public broadcaster KBS. The program, Secrets of Celebrity Birth, Old Age, Sickness, and Death (literal translation), recently interviewed Koo in Taiwan, where Hsu’s ashes are interned at the Chin Pao San cemetery’s Rose Garden.
Rain Fails to Deter Musician’s Pilgrimage
In promotional clips released ahead of the episode’s broadcast, Koo was captured kneeling reverently beside Hsu’s memorial plaque. Despite heavy rain on the day of filming, which prompted the production team to anticipate his absence, Koo proceeded with his regular visit.
When questioned about his dedication in the inclement weather, the musician offered a poignant explanation before becoming visibly emotional. “I still had to come,” he reportedly stated, his voice cracking with emotion. “Xi Yuan [Barbie Hsu] is suffering more than I am, just lying there…” His immediate, heartfelt grief was so palpable that the program’s studio host reportedly broke down in tears while recounting the footage, temporarily halting the recording session.
The unwavering regularity of Koo’s visits over the past year has been noted by other visitors to the famed Chin Pao San grounds. According to observers, Koo’s routine is simple yet impactful: simply spending quiet time at the gravesite, engaging in his own personal rituals of mourning and remembrance. This steadfast dedication has touched many onlookers who have witnessed his private sorrow.
Family Unveils Commemorative Sculpture
Beyond the personal acknowledgment by her husband, Barbie Hsu’s family held a formal unveiling ceremony for a commemorative sculpture dedicated to the late star today at Chin Pao San. Key family members, including Hsu’s younger sister, Dee Hsu (Little S), her mother (“S Mom”), and Koo Jun-yup, were present to witness the dedication, celebrating her enduring legacy.
Hsu, a fixture in Asian entertainment for decades, left an indelible mark on both television and cinema. Her breakout role as Shan Cai in the smash hit 2001 drama “Meteor Garden” remains one of her most iconic appearances.
In a separate tribute, another celebrity associated with that seminal drama shared his recollections online. Jerry Yan, formerly of the boy band F4—who starred opposite Hsu in “Meteor Garden”—posted a video montage reminiscing about the series. The clip highlighted a classic scene where Hsu’s character danced with the F4 members, evoking strong nostalgia and deep emotion among fans across social media platforms.
The collective acts of remembrance—from Koo’s private devotion to the public family dedication and the co-stars’ digital tributes—underscore the profound impact Hsu had on her colleagues, fans, and most importantly, her loved ones. The commitment shown by Koo Jun-yup serves as a testament to deep, abiding love that transcends loss, continuing to resonate internationally.
