@SMilkdrama on X
Several celebrities joined the family of Taiwanese star and Meteor Garden actress Barbie Hsu as they paid tribute to the late actress on the first anniversary of her passing.
According to multiple reports and posts from Taiwanese media outlets and fan communities, family members, close friends, and colleagues gathered at Chin Pao San Cemetery in New Taipei City to witness the unveiling of Barbie’s memorial statue.
Among those in attendance were her Meteor Garden co-stars and F4 members Jerry Yan and Vic Chou. Photos and videos circulating online showed the two actors quietly paying their respects during the private ceremony.
“#JerryYan and #VicChou at Chin Pao San cemetery for #BarbieHsu's memorial statue unveiling ceremony today.
Dao Ming Si and Hua Ze Lei are off to see their Shan Cai 🤍,” a fan posted on X.
In a video shared by Lee Chen-dao on Instagram, Jerry was also seen standing before Barbie’s statue under the rain, a moment that deeply moved fans online.
READ: Remembering ‘Shan Cai’ Barbie Hsu a year after her sudden farewell
Fellow Meteor Garden star Rainie Yang, who played Shan Cai’s best friend Xiaoyou, was likewise spotted at the ceremony. Barbie’s Corner with Love co-star Show Lo was also seen in attendance.
“#RainieYang, another #MeteorGarden co-star is also there today.
#ShowLo, her #CornerWithLove co-star is also at the scene.
#BarbieHsu will always be well-loved and remembered 🤍” said in the caption.
Although he was unable to attend in person as he is currently based in China, Meteor Garden actor Ken Chu marked the occasion by reposting a tribute video on his Instagram Story.
“A year without you. A lifetime of remembering (heart emoji),” said in the now expired Story.
Other notable personalities present at the ceremony included Super Junior’s Choi Si-won, Taiwanese television producer Wang Wei-chung, and TV hosts Kevin Tsai and Matilda Tao.
According to Focus Taiwan, the unveiling ceremony was led by Barbie’s family. Her mother, known publicly as S Mom, unveiled the statue alongside Barbie’s husband, South Korean artist Koo Jun-yup (also known as DJ Koo), and her younger sister, television host Dee Hsu.
The memorial statue was personally designed by DJ Koo. It depicts a young woman with her hands folded over her chest, reflecting Barbie’s elegant demeanor. The sculpture is surrounded by nine cubes, which Koo explained symbolize nine planets. The statue faces south toward Taipei, where Barbie’s family resides, an intentional design meant to represent the family’s enduring love and their wish for it to last forever.
In a report by The Chosun Daily, DJ Koo shared the personal meaning behind the artwork.
“I created this sculpture with the hope that she would always remain by our side… (Barbie) often said, ‘I am an alien from outer space,’ so I wanted to create her own galaxy here.”
He added that the statue faces approximately 208 degrees south, a number with deep significance.
“The direction Heewon faces is approximately 208 degrees south,” he added. “That direction points to Taipei, allowing her family and me to always look toward her. 208 also represents our wedding anniversary on February 8th.”
During the ceremony, DJ Koo thanked those who came to honor his late wife.
“As (Barbie’s) husband, I am grateful to everyone who traveled far… (Barbie), I miss you.”
A released video also showed DJ Koo reminiscing about his late wife as he oversaw the statue’s creation and unveiling. Barbie’s mother and sister were also seen embracing the completed sculpture in tears.