Taipei, Taiwan – One year after her sudden passing, Taiwanese superstar actress Barbie Hsu (known professionally as Da S) was honored with the unveiling of a commemorative statue in Tokyo, Japan, on February 2. The intimate and moving ceremony, held at the Chin Pao San cemetery, saw family, including her mother, younger sister Dee Hsu (Xiao S), and husband DJ Koo Jun-yup, gather alongside a multitude of celebrity friends to remember the screen icon who died at age 48.
The memorial event marked the anniversary of Hsu’s death, transforming a day of mourning into one of collective remembrance. Ahead of the formal proceedings, Hsu’s mother, who appeared visibly overwhelmed, briefly stepped away to regain composure. Upon returning, she acknowledged the media with a subdued but appreciative wave and clasped hands, murmuring, “Very well, very well, thank you for your concern,” before being escorted back to the gathering.
Unveiling Reveals Poignant Tribute
At 2:10 p.m., the gray statue was officially unveiled by Hsu’s immediate family: her mother, Mr. Koo, and her sister, Dee Hsu. Crafted in an elegant, stylized manner, the sculpture captures Hsu’s timeless grace, depicting her with hands gently crossed across her chest, a flowing skirt, and hair suggesting movement—a figure described by attendees as perfectly mirroring her serene and stylish demeanor in life. The revelation was met with a hush, followed by applause, creating a palpable sense that the beloved star remained present.
The emotional core of the event centered on the family’s reaction. Hsu’s mother, leaning heavily on her son-in-law, DJ Koo, pulled back the covering cloth. She then leaned into the cold stone figure for approximately 10 seconds, appearing utterly heartbroken and tearfully running her hands over the sculpture repeatedly. Dee Hsu, equally distraught, shed tears and tenderly touched the statue’s hands, her profound sisterly bond evident in her visible grief.
As the statue stood revealed, the air was filled with the sounds of Sisterly Love, a poignant duet originally recorded by Barbie and Dee Hsu, the lyrics underscoring the powerful connection between the siblings.
A Gathering of Constellations
The memorial drew a constellation of top-tier figures from the Asian entertainment industry, highlighting the breadth of Hsu’s influence and friendships. Among the notable attendees mourning their colleague and friend were hosts Kevin Tsai and Matilda Tao, actresses Pace Wu and Rainie Yang, television producer Wang Wei-chung, singers Show Lo and Valen Hsu (with her husband), actress Genie Chuo, as well as actors Jerry Yan and Vic Zhou, Hsu’s former co-stars in the hit series Meteor Garden. Significantly, even Kang Won-rae, a former bandmate of DJ Koo’s popular 90s duo, Clon, flew in to attend, symbolizing the extended familial support surrounding Hsu’s husband.
The gathering served as a powerful testament to Barbie Hsu’s enduring legacy, not only as an acclaimed actress and television host but as a deeply cherished friend. While the pain of her loss remains fresh, the newly dedicated statue ensures her sophisticated presence and profound contributions to Taiwanese culture will not be forgotten. The quiet solidarity demonstrated by the industry and fans suggests her influence will continue to inspire new generations of artists.
