Barbie Hsu Passes Away for Seven Days, Family Gathering with Cake Sparks Controversy on Social Media

On February 9, Chinese media outlet 163 reported that members of Barbie Hsu’s family and her close friends became the center of attention on social media after photos of them gathering at the late actress’s home surfaced. On the evening of February 8, Barbie Hsu‘s mother, Huang Chunmei, her sister Dee Hsu, TV host Aya, actress Makiyo, and others were seen bringing a cake to the Taipei apartment where Barbie Hsu’s ashes are kept.

The group spent a few hours inside her home before leaving separately. According to China Times, after the gathering at Barbie Hsu’s residence, Dee Hsu and some of their colleagues continued meeting at the home of a TV host until late at night. Photos of the family and friends with a cake sparked heated discussions in China, with many criticizing the act as inappropriate, considering it had only been seven days since Barbie Hsu’s passing.

On Weibo, netizens questioned whether it was appropriate for Barbie Hsu’s family and friends to gather in such a way so soon after her death.

In response to the backlash, Chinese media reached out to Barbie Hsu’s representative and those involved. A spokesperson clarified that the gathering was not a celebration or a party. Instead, it was meant to commemorate the third wedding anniversary of Barbie Hsu and DJ Koo Jun-yup as a way to honor her memory. The family and friends also hoped to provide comfort and support to Koo Jun-yup during this difficult time.

The representatives stated that bringing a cake to Barbie Hsu’s residence was part of their efforts to mark the couple’s wedding anniversary and to console Koo Jun-yup.

February 8 marked the third anniversary of Barbie Hsu and Koo Jun-yup’s marriage and also exactly seven days since the Meteor Garden star’s passing. On his social media, Koo Jun-yup shared a touching message, “I will love you forever,” along with a melancholic piano melody, leaving many fans heartbroken.

“I will love you forever”

Barbie Hsu’s family confirmed that she passed away in Japan due to a flu and pneumonia. Her body was cremated in Japan on February 3, and her ashes were brought back to Taiwan on February 5. For now, her ashes are being kept at her residence before undergoing an eco-friendly burial, where they will be placed in a biodegradable bag and buried under an old tree in a designated memorial area.