The memory of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu continues to be honored by those closest to her, most notably her husband, DJ Koo Jun-yup, and her sister, Dee Hsu. On , the first anniversary of Hsu’s passing at age 48, a statue dedicated to the late actress was unveiled at the Chin Pao San cemetery, where she is laid to rest. The statue was designed and completed by DJ Koo himself, a testament to his enduring love for Hsu.
During the unveiling ceremony, Dee Hsu publicly expressed her deep gratitude to DJ Koo for his devotion and for creating the memorial. According to reports, Hsu’s speech was deeply emotional, and she repeatedly broke down in tears while speaking about her brother-in-law. She acknowledged the profound grief she felt but found solace in knowing that Barbie Hsu had experienced happiness with Koo during the final three years of her life.
“When I’m deep in grief, I think of my brother-in-law, Koo Jun-yup, who was by my sister’s side for the three years before she passed away, a man who truly loved her, asked for nothing in return, and didn’t crave anything beyond love and protected her with a pure, simple, and innocent heart, and it brings me peace. So, I am truly grateful to my brother-in-law!” Dee Hsu shared, as reported by multiple outlets covering the event.
The unveiling was attended by family, friends, and colleagues, including Super Junior’s Choi Siwon, who reportedly adjusted his schedule to support DJ Koo. DJ Koo has been a regular visitor to Hsu’s gravesite since her death, demonstrating his continued mourning and remembrance.
Dee Hsu also recounted a touching moment shared by their mother, who, upon seeing the statue, exclaimed, “Baby, you’ve been reborn!” This sentiment, Dee Hsu explained, brought a sense of joy and completion to her mother’s heart. She expressed hope that the statue would serve as a place for loved ones and fans to visit and connect with Barbie Hsu’s memory.
DJ Koo also shared a personal letter to Hsu on social media on the day of the ceremony, revealing his ongoing pain and longing. He wrote of waking up in their empty room, grappling with the reality of her absence, and finding comfort only in visiting her gravesite with offerings she enjoyed. He acknowledged his vulnerability in sharing these feelings, but expressed the need to express his grief.
The creation of the statue underscores the deep connection between Barbie Hsu and DJ Koo. Their relationship, which began decades prior, experienced a rekindling in , culminating in a marriage that, though brief, clearly left a lasting impact on both of their lives. The statue serves not only as a memorial to Hsu’s life and career but also as a tangible representation of Koo’s unwavering affection.
Barbie Hsu was best known for her role in the popular Taiwanese drama Meteor Garden. Her passing prompted an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues across Asia. The unveiling of the statue, and the heartfelt words shared by her sister, offer a poignant reminder of the actress’s legacy and the enduring power of love and remembrance.
The memorial statue, featuring a silver memorial stone engraved with the letter “S” symbolizing Hsu’s name, is intended to be a lasting tribute. It provides a physical space for those who knew and admired Hsu to pay their respects and keep her memory alive. The ceremony itself, and the emotional responses of those in attendance, highlight the profound impact Hsu had on the lives of those around her.
Dee Hsu’s public acknowledgement of DJ Koo’s love and dedication further emphasizes the importance of their relationship in Hsu’s final years. Her gratitude, expressed with such raw emotion, speaks volumes about the comfort and support Koo provided during a difficult time. The statue, represents not only a memorial to a beloved actress but also a celebration of a deeply meaningful connection.
