TAIPEI – A poignant unveiling ceremony took place yesterday at Jinbaoshan, Taiwan, marking the first anniversary of the passing of beloved Taiwanese actress and personality, Hsu Hsi-yuan, known widely as Big S. The event centered on the dedication of a commemorative statue, personally co-designed by her husband, South Korean artist Ku Jun-yee, and drew a crowd of close friends and notable figures from the Taiwanese entertainment industry, creating a solemn and deeply moving atmosphere.
The tribute comes a year after Hsu’s unexpected death, solidifying her enduring legacy within the Mandopop and television spheres. However, the ceremony also reignited public discussion regarding the actress’s two children, who were notably absent, prompting speculation about the current dynamics between the Hsu family and her ex-husband, Chinese entrepreneur Wang Xiaofei.
Family Explains Children’s Absence
The children’s non-appearance mirrored their absence from Hsu Hsi-yuan’s funeral last year, immediately fueling media conjecture. Addressing the recurring public concern, Wang Xiaofei’s current wife, Mandy Ma (Ma Xiaomei), offered clarification during a recent live stream.
Ma explained that the children are currently in Beijing, enjoying their winter holiday break. Their inability to travel back to Taiwan, she stated, resulted in their missing the memorial events. Furthermore, she countered rumors suggesting the children were left unsupervised, emphasizing that they are being cared for primarily by Wang Xiaofei, with substantial assistance from their maternal grandmother and a dedicated caretaker for their daily needs.
Last year’s controversy surrounding the funeral saw Ma claiming that the Wang family had not been formally notified of the service and had learned of the news only through online reports. The repetition of the children’s absence at this year’s statue dedication has led observers to continue questioning the level of communication and coordination between the two families involved in co-parenting.
Intimate Tributes Showcase Enduring Love
Amidst the familial background noise, the ceremony itself was marked by intimate and heartfelt gestures from those closest to Hsu. Attendees shared moments revealing how her family honored her memory through personal connections to her belongings.
Veteran host and friend Matilda Tao, who attended the unveiling, shared a touching detail: Ku Jun-yee wore an overcoat that Hsu had gifted him 27 years ago, a physical manifestation of their enduring relationship. Similarly, Hsu’s mother wore a pair of shoes that her daughter had given her. These details underscored the deeply personal ways family members are coping with their grief, finding comfort in the physical mementos left behind.
“It was clear the family was intentionally surrounded by reminders of her warmth,” Tao observed, highlighting the desire of the attendees to feel her enduring presence through items she had personally selected or worn.
The statue serves not only as a permanent artistic marker of Hsu Hsi-yuan’s impact but also as a focal point for fans and friends to mourn and remember. As the family navigates the complex post-divorce and bereavement arrangements, the public continues to monitor developments, underscoring the high level of interest in one of Taiwan’s most impactful entertainment figures. Moving forward, the hope remains that both families can establish a workable co-parenting relationship that prioritizes the emotional well-being of the late star’s children.
