Taipei, Taiwan — South Korean artist Ku Jun-yup has dedicated a deeply personal monument to his late wife, renowned Taiwanese actress Hsu Hsi-yuan, widely known as ‘Big S,’ culminating a year of private mourning and devotion. The unveiling ceremony for the statue took place on Tuesday at Chin Pao San, a notable cemetery in New Taipei, attended by close family members and celebrity friends of the deceased star, underscoring the enduring impact of Hsu’s life and career.
The sculpture, personally created by Ku, serves as a permanent tribute to Hsu, who passed away last year. The ceremony not only brought together the Hsu family and Ku but also close friends from the Taiwanese entertainment industry, offering a collective moment of remembrance. Ku, who has reportedly maintained a near-daily presence at the site over the past year, shared an emotional, open letter to his late wife on social media following the unveiling, revealing the immense depth of his grief and continuous affection.
A Year of Unwavering Devotion
Ku Jun-yup’s heartfelt actions over the last year have garnered significant attention, showcasing a profound commitment to his deceased partner. His dedication to frequently visiting the burial site, regardless of weather, symbolized by many as an enduring symbol of devotion, has deeply touched the public.
Following the solemn ceremony, Ku published a moving message addressed to Hsu Hsi-yuan, affectionately referring to her as his “eternal love” and “partner.” The letter expressed a powerful mixture of longing, regret, and enduring love, resonating with those who have experienced profound loss.
The sculptor’s letter reads in part: “My eternal love, my partner, Hsi-yuan ah. Are you well? Are you sleeping soundly? Are you comfortable everywhere? Your oppa [a Korean term of endearment for an older brother or man] is always worried… If I could wake up in the morning and ask you, ‘Did you sleep well?’ I would still believe this is just a dream… I wish it were a dream, and I pray for you to wake up. It is so painful.”
The Weight of Unspoken Words
Ku’s message vividly captures the internal struggle of bereavement, where mundane daily moments—like preparing a meal—trigger overwhelming memories and tears. He expressed feeling helpless and weak in his grief, apologizing to Hsu for his inability to cope more stoically.
“What should I do to make you less distressed? What would you like?” he wrote. “As I prepare meals, the moment I think of you, tears start to flow uncontrollably… I apologize that oppa can only appear so feeble… But this is the last way I have to express my longing for you. I hope you can understand.”
The conclusion of the letter focused heavily on the desire for reconnection and eternal togetherness. “Our Hsi-yuan ah… My Hsi-yuan ah… If we could meet again just once, I truly want to be together forever. I miss you so much. I truly, truly miss you… I wish I could hug you one more time. Your eternal, simple oppa, Jun-yup.”
This public demonstration of grief and creativity offers comfort and validation to many navigating loss, cementing Ku Jun-yup’s actions as a powerful testament to enduring marital love in the often-transient world of celebrity. The statue now stands as a lasting symbol, representing both Hsu Hsi-yuan’s legacy and the profound commitment shared by the couple.
