South Korean artist Koo Jun-yup, also known as DJ Koo, took to social media to share a handwritten letter dedicated to his late wife, Taiwanese actress and Meteor Garden star Barbie Hsu.
On his official social media page, DJ Koo posted a lengthy message he wrote to mark the first anniversary of Barbie’s passing.
“To my eternal love, my everything, (Barbie),” he opened the letter. “(Barbie), how are you there? Is it cold? Is it hot? I worry about you all the time. When I sit absentmindedly on one corner of the bed in the empty room, I still don’t know if this is reality or a dream. I wish it were a dream, and my chest feels heavy and painful."
The South Korean artist went on to describe the depth of his grief following Barbie’s sudden passing.
“I lift my heavy body and wonder what kind of food I should make today. What should I make that you would like? When I pack food and drive to Jinbao Mountain, tears flow endlessly from my longing for you,’ he added.
Apologizing for his vulnerability, DJ Koo went on: “I’m sorry for showing you such a weak side of me. But this is the last way I have to soothe my longing for you. I hope you understand."
Ending his letter, DJ Koo emphasized how much he misses his wife: “Barbie, when we meet again, let’s stay together forever. I miss you. I miss you so much it hurts. I miss you to death. From your forever Gwang-to oppa, Jun-jun.”
READ: Remembering ‘Shan Cai’ Barbie Hsu a year after her sudden farewell
Barbie and DJ Koo tied the knot in February 2022, rekindling a romance that began more than two decades earlier. Prior to their marriage, Barbie was married to Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei in 2010, with whom she had two children.
Earlier this week, DJ Koo, together with Barbie’s family — her mother, publicly known as S Mom, and her younger sister, television host Dee Hsu — unveiled Barbie’s memorial statue at her resting place in New Taipei, Taiwan.
The ceremony was attended by Barbie’s colleagues and friends, including Meteor Garden co-stars Jerry Yan, Vic Chou, and Rainie Yang; Corner with Love co-star Show Lo; Super Junior’s Choi Si-won, Taiwanese television producer Wang Wei-chung; and TV hosts Kevin Tsai and Matilda Tao, among others.
According to reports, the statue, titled Barbie’s Eternal Orbit, was personally designed by DJ Koo and incorporates elements inspired by the late actress. During the ceremony, DJ Koo was also seen wearing a brown coat that Barbie had given him 27 years ago.
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. 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, saying, “As (Barbie’s) husband, I am grateful to everyone who traveled far… (Barbie), I miss you.”
Barbie Hsu, best known for her role as Shan Cai in Meteor Garden, played a pivotal role in the rise of Asian dramas in the early 2000s. Her sudden passing on February 2, 2025, due to pneumonia caused by influenza complications during a family trip to Japan over the Lunar New Year holiday, shocked fans and colleagues around the world.
Since her passing, reports revealed that DJ Koo rarely left his wife’s side as he was reportedly visiting Barbie’s grave almost daily.