Koo Jun Yup Brings Late Wife Barbie Hsu’s Ashes Back to Taiwan
The ashes of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, the late wife of Koo Jun Yup, have been brought back to Taiwan.
Barbie Hsu’s family cremated her remains in Japan following her passing. Her husband, Koo Jun Yup, and her sister, Dee Hsu, brought her ashes back to Taiwan on February 5th, arriving at Taipei Songshan Airport on a private jet from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. Her mother had returned to Taiwan the day before. Reports indicate that the family plans to keep her ashes at home.
Dee Hsu shared through her agency that Barbie has safely arrived home. She said, “We believe she is happy and at peace at this very moment.” She also confirmed that there would be no official farewell ceremony.
>> Barbie Hsu’s Friend Recounts Koo Jun Yup’s Emotional Last Goodbye to His Dear Wife
What Happens to Barbie Hsu’s $82.3 Million Inheritance?
Discussions over Barbie Hsu’s estate and the custody of her children have intensified following her sudden passing.
According to Chinese media reports, Hsu left behind a substantial fortune, with her assets valued at approximately 600 million yuan (about $82.3 million). Speculation is growing over a potential custody dispute between Hsu’s family and her ex-husband, Wang Xiaofei.
Hsu married Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei in 2011, and the couple had a daughter and a son. Their marriage ended in 2021 after 10 years, and Hsu later sued Wang, claiming he had failed to pay alimony.
In 2022, she rekindled her romance with Koo Jun Yup after 20 years, and they tied the knot in March. The couple registered their marriage in Korea in February and in Taiwan in March. While some Chinese media previously claimed their marriage was never registered in Taiwan, reports confirmed that Hsu’s manager handled the paperwork due to overwhelming media attention at the time.
Wang Xiaofei and his mother had previously made several accusations against Barbie Hsu and Koo Jun Yup on social media, including claims of infidelity and domestic violence. However, following Hsu’s death, their stance changed. Wang flew to Taiwan immediately after receiving the news. Speaking to reporters at the airport on February 3rd, he stated, “Please speak kindly of her. Barbie Hsu will always be family.”
Hsu’s children, now 10 and 8 years old, are at the center of legal discussions. Under Taiwan’s civil law, custody automatically transfers to the surviving parent upon the other parent’s death. Even if a will specifies otherwise, it carries no legal weight in determining custody.
A Taiwanese legal expert explained, “Even if one parent had sole custody while both were alive, parental rights automatically transfer to the surviving parent upon the other’s passing.” He further clarified that since Koo Jun Yup did not legally adopt Hsu’s children, Wang Xiaofei will be granted custody.
Regarding inheritance, the lawyer added, “If there is no will, Barbie Hsu’s assets will be divided equally among her husband and two children, with each receiving one-third. However, as the legal guardian, the surviving parent will have primary control over the children’s inheritance, which could potentially lead to legal disputes over asset management.”
Taiwanese Doctor Claims Barbie Hsu Might Still Be Alive If She Had Been Hospitalized
ET Today reported on February 3rd that Barbie Hsu sought medical treatment four times while in Japan before her passing.
A netizen shared a conversation with a friend working as a tour guide in Japan, according to a social media post. The poster revealed that Hsu first visited the hospital on January 31st for coughing and asthma symptoms.
The post also stated that her family took her to a smaller clinic where she was diagnosed with Influenza A and received medication on February 1st. Her condition deteriorated, and she passed away at 7 AM on February 2nd despite being rushed to a hospital in the middle of the night. The reported cause of death was acute pneumonia resulting from influenza.
A prominent Taiwanese thoracic surgeon suggested that the fact that Barbie Hsu was never hospitalized may have contributed to her death. The doctor explained that while she visited a clinic four times before she passed, her outcome might have been different had she been admitted to a proper medical facility earlier before her symptoms became severe. He pointed out that severe influenza requires prompt hydration and medication, and explained that dehydration from activities like hot spring baths or excessive sweating can significantly worsen symptoms.
