Hsu has reportedly long prepared her will, ensuring that her assets would be divided between her mother and children resulting in her husband, South Korean musician DJ Koo, to inherit nothing, Dan Tri reported citing Sohu.
Sina reported that most of Hsu’s wealth was amassed before her marriage to Koo, with their only jointly acquired asset being the luxury home they share in Taiwan. ETToday cited legal experts stating that if Hsu and Koo did not sign a prenuptial agreement, Koo could have a claim to the property.
The division of Hsu’s assets may also lead to a legal battle between Koo and her ex-husband, Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei. Wang has previously argued that some of Hsu’s assets were purchased with his financial contributions during their marriage, including real estate, bank accounts, and joint investments.
Hsu’s family has yet to issue an official statement, while discussions about her inheritance have drawn over 35 million interactions on Chinese social media Weibo.
Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu and South Korean husband DJ Koo. Photo from Facebook |
Citing ETToday, Sao Star reported that Hsu secured numerous endorsement deals throughout her career, amounting to US$4.75 million. She also invested in real estate, owning three luxury properties. She purchased two villas worth a combined US$18 million and, in 2016, acquired a 760-square-meter apartment in Taipei’s Xinyi District with her then-husband Wang for US$12 million.
Following their 2021 divorce, Mirror Media estimated that Hsu received NT$600 million (US$19 million) from their total assets, valued at NT$950 million. Sohu reported that Wang also left her and their two children a 720-square-meter villa to ensure financial stability. Wang previously disclosed that Hsu’s monthly expenses exceeded NT$1 million, a statement that sparked controversy.
Hsu’s family confirmed her passing in a statement released by her sister, Taiwanese host Dee Hsu, on Monday.
“Thank you for all the concern,” Dee expressed. “Over the Lunar 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,” she continued. “Shan [Hsu’s nickname], rest in peace. We love you always. Together remember forever.”
Hsu gained fame from her roles in TV series such as “Meteor Garden,” “Mars,” and “Summer’s Desire.” Her personal life, especially her marriages, has always been a focal point of public and media interest.
She was married to Wang, 43, from 2011 until their divorce in 2021, and they have two children together.
Following the divorce, Hsu reunited with her ex-boyfriend, South Korean musician DJ Koo, and married him in Feb. 2022. The couple resumed their life together until her untimely death.
Wang later married Mandy in May 2024.