The passing of beloved Taiwanese actress and personality Barbie Hsu (Hsi-yuan Hsu), who succumbed to complications from influenza and pneumonia last year at the age of 48, was commemorated this week with the unveiling of a beautiful memorial sculpture. Marking the first anniversary of her death on February 2nd, the monument, designed by her devoted husband, Korean musician DJ Koo (Gu Junye), was revealed during an intimate ceremony held at the illustrious Chin Pao San Cemetery.
The emotional tribute was documented and shared publicly by Hsu’s younger sister, television host Dee Hsu (Hsi-ti Hsu), who provided a heartfelt narrative about the enduring love and significant loss surrounding the family. The social media footage captured the somber atmosphere, noting the visibly worn appearance of DJ Koo, who, despite wearing sunglasses, appeared profoundly affected by grief one year later.
Eternalizing Love: A Sculpture’s Significance
The memorial, situated in the cemetery’s prominent section reserved for celebrated figures, was conceived entirely by DJ Koo as a lasting testament to his wife’s legacy. In her accompanying post to the video, Dee Hsu expressed profound gratitude towards her brother-in-law for crafting such a meaningful sanctuary for remembrance.
“I thank my brother-in-law, Gu Junye, for designing such a beautiful sculpture for my sister,” Dee Hsu wrote. “I hope all those who love Big S [Barbie Hsu’s nickname] can come and see her, talk to her, whenever they miss her.”
The ceremony, attended by close family and friends, took place under a light rain—a detail Dee Hsu quickly framed as characteristic of her late sister’s style, suggesting the ambiance suited her personality. The attendees offered single flowers in quiet tribute.
Finding Peace in Dedicated Devotion
Dee Hsu’s reflection offered a powerful insight into how the family finds solace amid their sorrow. She focused heavily on the final three years of her sister’s life, emphasizing the unconditional love and dedicated care provided by DJ Koo.
“When I sink into the abyss of sorrow, I only need to think that in the three years before my sister passed away, she was accompanied by my brother-in-law Gu Junye—a man who truly loved her, asked for nothing, sought nothing beyond love itself,” she shared. “He shielded my sister with a clean, pure heart, free of schemes or impurities. Simply thinking this brings my heart peace. I am truly thankful for my brother-in-law.”
This testimony highlights the deep familial bond and the comfort derived from witnessing such selfless devotion during a period of terminal illness.
A Mother’s Comfort and Rebirth
A particularly poignant moment occurred when Barbie Hsu’s mother saw the newly unveiled sculpture designed by her son-in-law.
“My mother saw Big S’s sculpture and said: ‘My darling, you have been reborn!’” Dee Hsu recounted. “I believe the hole in my mother’s heart has been filled today.”
The sculpture serves not just as a static marker, but as a symbolic point of connection and renewal for the grieving family. By transforming the physical space into a site for continuous interaction and remembrance, DJ Koo has provided a necessary focal point for the community of mourners. The act of publicly sharing this private moment allows fans, many of whom have followed Barbie Hsu’s career for decades, to participate in the collective grieving process and celebrate her enduring influence on Taiwanese entertainment and pop culture.
