A month has passed since the death of the late Taiwanese icon Barbie “Big S” Hsu (徐熙媛). It was a Sunday (2nd February) when the famous actress and television personality unexpectedly passed at 48 years from complications of influenza on a trip to Japan.
The final decisions regarding her estate and child custody have now been made. The settlement includes a confirmed amount of NT$600 million (approximately RM81.37 million) and establishes guardianship for her two children. Here’s the full story:
In the immediate aftermath, rumors of potential legal battles circulated as tensions emerged between Barbie Hsu’s current husband, South Korean artist DJ Koo Jun-yup (구준엽), and her mother, who initially expressed a willingness to contest the distribution through cryptic social media posts: “I don’t believe justice cannot be restored and I’m heading to the battlefield and please cheer me on!”
The late star’s ex-husband, Wang Xiaofei (汪小菲), also played a notable role in the unfolding drama, making several trips to Taiwan despite their well-publicised divorce in 2021. These developments fueled media speculation regarding the management of the actress’ substantial estate and the welfare of her children.
Ultimately, the dispute was resolved through negotiations and adherence to Taiwanese civil law. The final settlement confirmed their estate valued at NT$600 million (approximately RM81.37 million), will be split, with two-thirds allocated to Barbie Hsu’s minor children and the remaining one-third to DJ Koo. To ensure the children’s inheritance is appropriately managed until they reach 18, custody has been entrusted to their biological father, Wang Xiaofei.
Despite ongoing financial concerns—such as an outstanding NT$250 million (approximately RM34 million) debt related to Hsu’s former residence in Taipei—the resolution has brought stability to the family, ensuring that the icon’s legacy is preserved and her children’s best interests remain the priority.
Sources: China Press, Dimsum Daily, The Standard
Gan contributed to this article.
