A legal dispute is reportedly developing over the inheritance of the late actress Barbie Hsu, with reports claiming that she left behind a note outlining how she wanted her assets to be divided before her death.
Taiwanese media outlet Mirror Weekly reported on July 15th that Barbie Hsu reportedly recorded her inheritance wishes in a memo on her phone before she passed away.
The report claims that she wanted her jewelry and luxury handbags to go to her daughter, while the rest of her assets would be shared among her husband DJ Koo, her two children and her older sister’s child.
However, sources say Barbie Hsu’s family has questioned the validity of the phone memo, arguing that it does not have legal authority as an official will. There are also claims that much of her wealth, which she accumulated throughout her career, may be held overseas, with only her mother, Huang Chun Mei, allegedly knowing the details.
Previously, Huang Chun Mei said in an interview that Barbie Hsu had reduced her activities after marriage and spent a large amount of money on legal battles. She claimed, “There might not even be 2 million yuan ($295,000) left in her account.”
The statement surprised many, as Barbie Hsu was reportedly earning more than 100 million yuan ($14.8 million) per year during the peak of her career. Even when she was less active, she continued earning income through advertising deals. One skincare brand reportedly paid 6 million yuan ($886,000) in remaining contract fees after her death, with the payment made to an account under her former name, Xu Xi Yuan, which was managed by Huang Chun Mei.
Amid the inheritance dispute, Huang Chun Mei also recently said that the home Barbie Hsu gave her is not legally considered her property due to ownership and inheritance issues. She expressed concern, saying, “I’m afraid I could be forced to leave the house. I might end up homeless.”
Her comments have led some online users to question her intentions.
Barbie Hsu married Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei in 2011, and the couple had a son and daughter before divorcing in 2021. She later reunited with singer DJ Koo, whom she had previously dated, and the two married in 2022.
Barbie Hsu passed away in February 2025 from complications related to influenza, including pneumonia and sepsis, during a family trip to Japan. Following her death, reports estimated her estate to be worth around 120 billion Korean won. DJ Koo is expected to enter mediation with Wang Xiaofei over the distribution of her inheritance.
>> DJ Koo Reportedly Has Not Waived Claim to Late Wife Barbie Hsu’s $80 Million Estate
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