Barbie Hsu dies at 48 after catching 'influenza-related pneumonia'
Taiwanese star Barbie Hsu has died at the age of 48.
A statement confirming the news was sent to Taiwanese media by her younger sister, celebrity host Dee Hsu, 46, though it did not state when and where the actress died.
The statement said: "Thanks for all the concern. Over the Chinese New Year period, our entire family travelled to Japan for a holiday, and my most beloved, kindest elder sister Barbie caught influenza-related pneumonia and has unfortunately left us."
"I am thankful to be her sister in this life, and grateful that we have taken care of each other and kept each other company all these years. I will always be thankful to her and remember her. Shan, rest in peace. Love you always. Together, remember forever."
Barbie Hsu, who was also known as Big S, shot to fame after her starring role as Shancai in idol drama Meteor Garden (2001).
She was married to South Korean musician Koo Jun-yup, 55, and had two children - a 10-year-old daughter and an eight-year-old son - with her ex-husband Wang Xiaofei.
She also leaves behind an older sister who is not a celebrity and their mother.
An Instagram post on Jan 26 shows Hsu at a wedding banquet with friends including celebrity couple Christine Fan and Blackie Chen.
She had also appeared in a New Year post by Koo on Dec 31 with the rest of her family.
