Barbie Hsu: Children, Death Rumors, Movies, Net Worth
Barbie Hsu, also known as Xu Xiyuan, is a celebrated Taiwanese actress, singer, and television host who rose to prominence in the early 2000s. Known for her iconic role as Shan Cai in the popular Taiwanese drama Meteor Garden (2001), she became a household name across Asia and played a major role in popularizing the idol drama genre. Her career spans over two decades and includes numerous television dramas, films, music releases, and a solid presence in the entertainment industry.
In addition to her professional success, Barbie Hsu has had a highly publicized personal life. From her early relationships and high-profile marriages to motherhood and rumors surrounding her health and wellbeing, Hsu has remained in the public spotlight. Her decision to remarry South Korean musician DJ Koo after her divorce from Chinese entrepreneur Wang Xiaofei drew major attention across both Taiwanese and international media.
Despite occasional rumors regarding her death—which have been proven false—Barbie Hsu remains alive and continues to engage with her fans, occasionally appearing in interviews and media. In this detailed biography, we explore every aspect of Barbie Hsu’s life: from her filmography and personal journey to family background and net worth.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Barbie Hsu’s estimated net worth is between $25 million and $35 million. Her earnings are derived from a combination of her long career in television dramas, film roles, endorsements, and brand partnerships. At the peak of her acting career, Barbie was one of the highest-paid actresses in Taiwanese drama.
Her marriage to Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei also briefly expanded her financial portfolio, as they were involved in joint investments, including high-end hotel and food businesses in mainland China. Although the divorce in 2021 led to the splitting of assets, Hsu remains financially stable through her investments, personal brand, and business endeavors.
In recent years, her net worth has also been bolstered by appearances on reality shows, licensing of her old dramas, and digital content related to her past work. She continues to be a valued figure in Asian entertainment, maintaining high engagement on social media and influence in lifestyle and beauty sectors.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hsu Hsi-yuan (Xu Xiyuan) |
| Stage Name | Barbie Hsu |
| Date of Birth | October 6, 1976 |
| Place of Birth | Taipei, Taiwan |
| Nationality | Taiwanese |
| Occupation | Actress, Singer, Television Host |
| Years Active | 1994 – present |
| Known For | Meteor Garden, Mars, Silk |
| Net Worth (2025) | $25–$35 million |
| Marital Status | Married to DJ Koo (Koo Jun-yup) |
| Children | 2 (1 daughter, 1 son) |
Early Life and Background Education
Barbie Hsu was born on October 6, 1976, in Taipei, Taiwan, into a middle-class family. She is the younger sister of Dee Hsu (also known as Xiao S), a well-known television host and entertainer. The two sisters would go on to form a pop duo in their early years called ASOS, marking Barbie’s first steps into the entertainment industry.
Barbie attended private schools in Taipei and was known to be creative and expressive from a young age. Her early interest in singing and acting led her to begin performing while still in school. Although she didn’t attend university due to her early entrance into show business, she received significant informal training in music, performance, and hosting through experience.
Her early career focused on music, but it was acting that would eventually define her celebrity status. Her breakout role in Meteor Garden came in 2001, a performance that made her a regional icon and led to offers across Asia.
Age and Physical Appearance
As of 2025, Barbie Hsu is 48 years old. Despite being in her late 40s, she maintains a youthful and graceful appearance that has been admired since her early acting years. Her classic beauty, fair skin, and expressive eyes have made her one of Taiwan’s most photogenic actresses.
She stands at approximately 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) and is known for her delicate frame and timeless fashion sense. Barbie has often been featured in fashion and lifestyle magazines and is considered an influencer in the beauty industry. Her skincare and beauty regimens are frequently discussed online, and she is known to endorse wellness and cosmetic brands.
Even though she has reduced her acting workload, Barbie’s iconic looks and grace have continued to make her a favorite for product endorsements and high-profile interviews.
His Father
Barbie Hsu’s father, Hsu Chuan-cheng, has remained mostly out of the public eye. He has occasionally appeared at family events and in Taiwanese media coverage, but he is not a public figure himself. While he supported both Barbie and her sister Dee in their early careers, he has preferred to maintain privacy and avoid the spotlight that came with his daughters’ fame.
Despite some reports of family tensions in the past, Barbie has consistently spoken respectfully about her parents. The family’s close-knit dynamic has been observed on several talk shows and interviews, particularly when Dee Hsu discusses their upbringing.
His Mother
Barbie’s mother, Huang Chun-mei, is a more familiar face to fans, having occasionally appeared on Taiwanese variety shows and interviews with Dee and Barbie. She played a major role in managing the early stages of her daughters’ careers and has always been a strong maternal figure.
She is often described as supportive, nurturing, and involved in her daughters’ lives. During Barbie’s divorce and health scares, her mother was a strong source of support and protection, frequently accompanying her to public events and hospital visits. She has also publicly defended Barbie against media rumors on more than one occasion.
Children
Barbie Hsu is the mother of two children: one daughter and one son. Both children were born during her marriage to Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei. Her daughter was born in 2014, and her son followed in 2016. Barbie is known to be a very private parent, rarely sharing images or personal details about her children publicly.
During her custody battle with Wang Xiaofei following their divorce, Barbie emphasized that her main priority was the wellbeing and stability of her children. Reports suggest that she has full or majority custody and continues to raise them in Taipei.
Barbie has often said that becoming a mother changed her priorities. While she still occasionally works in the entertainment industry, much of her focus now is on family life and being present for her children.
Who Is Barbie Hsu?
Barbie Hsu is a Taiwanese actress, singer, and television host who is best known for her role as Shan Cai in the hit series Meteor Garden. This series was a regional phenomenon and helped launch the careers of the entire cast. It also brought Taiwanese idol dramas into the mainstream across Asia.
Beyond Meteor Garden, Barbie starred in several well-received dramas and films including Mars (2004), Corner With Love (2007), and the horror film Silk (2006). She is also known for her voice acting, singing, and hosting capabilities.
She was formerly married to Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei from 2011 to 2021, with whom she shares two children. In 2022, she remarried South Korean musician DJ Koo (Koo Jun-yup), her ex-boyfriend from the 1990s. Their reunion was widely celebrated by fans and media as a story of enduring love.
Barbie remains a cultural icon in Taiwan and across Asia. Her transition from teen idol to respected actress and devoted mother has made her a figure admired for both her beauty and resilience.
Current Life
As of 2025, Barbie Hsu lives in Taipei with her children and husband, DJ Koo. While she is less active in acting, she occasionally appears in talk shows, charity events, and promotional campaigns. Her lifestyle now is focused on family, wellness, and maintaining balance after years in the high-pressure entertainment industry.
Her relationship with DJ Koo has been described as warm and supportive. The couple, having reunited after decades apart, has often spoken about cherishing second chances and the importance of maturity in love. They share a private but affectionate relationship, occasionally posting sweet moments on social media.
Barbie also uses her influence to support social causes, particularly women’s health, motherhood, and mental wellness. She continues to be a major brand ambassador for beauty and wellness companies in Asia.
In early 2022, false rumors of her death circulated online, prompting a swift response from her agency and family confirming she was alive and well. These death hoaxes, while distressing, only reinforced public concern and admiration for the star.
Conclusion
Barbie Hsu’s life is one of transformation, resilience, and cultural impact. From a young star in Taiwan’s vibrant entertainment scene to a mature and grounded mother of two, Barbie has experienced nearly every aspect of fame—from the highs of international stardom to the intense scrutiny of public life.
Her performances, especially in Meteor Garden, have left a lasting legacy in Asian pop culture. Yet, what makes Barbie enduringly beloved is her honesty, vulnerability, and strength in navigating both professional challenges and personal heartbreaks.
Whether it’s her remarriage, motherhood, or ongoing presence in the media, Barbie Hsu remains a woman who evolves with grace. She continues to be a symbol of beauty, strength, and authenticity—qualities that make her story timeless.
FAQ
Who is Barbie Hsu?
Barbie Hsu is a Taiwanese actress, singer, and television host best known for her role in Meteor Garden.
Is Barbie Hsu still alive?
Yes, as of 2025, she is alive. Any rumors about her death have been debunked.
How many children does Barbie Hsu have?
She has two children—one daughter and one son.
Who is Barbie Hsu’s husband?
She is married to South Korean musician DJ Koo (Koo Jun-yup) as of 2022.
