Taipei, Taiwan — January 1, 2024 — Esteemed Taiwanese entertainer Dee Hsu (Xiao S) marked the start of the New Year by publicly honoring her late sister, Barbie Hsu (Da S), who tragically passed away last February in Japan at the age of 48. In a poignant social media post on New Year’s Day, Dee Hsu shared a photograph of herself and her mother, Huang Chun-mei, watching the iconic Taipei 101 fireworks display, accompanying the image with a heartfelt message acknowledging her enduring sense of loss.
The sudden passing of Barbie Hsu, a beloved actress and television personality, sent shockwaves through the East Asian entertainment industry last year. Dee Hsu’s emotional New Year’s post conveyed the deep void left by her sister, stating movingly, “Every year’s fireworks, you will watch with us.” This public expression of grief offered a rare glimpse into the private sorrow experienced by the family following the tragedy.
The tradition of celebrating the New Year together holds significant meaning for the Hsu family. Dee Hsu has previously shared that, prior to her sister’s death, the annual countdown was a cherished, informal family ritual, often spent at home wearing pajamas as they ushered in the new year. The shared memory underscores the close bond between the sisters, who were both prominent figures in global Chinese popular culture.
The post coincided with Dee Hsu’s gradual return to the public eye, following a period of withdrawal after her sister’s passing. Her professional commitments had been scaled back significantly throughout 2023. During an appearance at Taiwan’s Golden Bell Awards in October, Hsu had addressed questions regarding her future career schedule, expressing uncertainty about maintaining a regular public profile but indicating that she would likely resume more activities only after the turn of the year.
While the intensity of public mourning often subsides over time, the anniversary and traditional holidays frequently trigger renewed periods of grief for those affected. Dr. Lin Wei-ting, a Taipei-based clinical psychologist specializing in loss and trauma, noted that celebrities often face the dual challenge of processing private grief while managing public expectation. “Sharing these moments, like watching the New Year’s fireworks, can be a vital part of finding a new equilibrium,” Dr. Lin explains. “It validates the pain while celebrating the enduring presence of the person who is gone.”
For her millions of followers across Asia, Dee Hsu’s candid message serves as a relatable testament to the deep impact of loss, even amid celebrations of hope and renewal. Her continued resilience and commitment to her family’s traditions resonate widely, transforming a private moment of remembrance into a shared experience of collective empathy as the community continues to mourn the untimely death of Barbie Hsu.
