Chinese entrepreneur Wang Xiaofei has addressed speculation surrounding the estate of his late ex-wife, Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, saying he respects that her husband, Koo Jun-yup known as DJ Koo, is legally entitled to a share of her inheritance.
Xiaofei and Barbie married in 2011 and welcomed two children before ending their marriage in 2021. After their divorce, Barbie rekindled her romance with DJ Koo, whom she had dated in the late 1990s, and the two married in 2022.
Barbie passed away in February last year after suffering from influenza complicated by pneumonia during a family trip to Japan.
READ: Barbie Hsu’s sister regrets suggesting the Japan trip that led to ‘Meteor Garden’ star’s death
According to Taiwanese media ETtoday as cited by The Korea Times, Xiaofei's legal team recently issued a statement addressing the handling of the Meteor Garden star's estate.
The statement said that Xiaofei has asked the court to appoint a special representative to safeguard the interests of their two minor children while the inheritance is being processed.
It explained that the couple's two children are expected to inherit a combined two-thirds of Barbie's estate, while DJ Koo, as her surviving spouse, is entitled to the remaining one-third.
Description: Barbie Hsu with her former husband Wang Xiaofei
Xiaofei's legal team added that DJ Koo has the right to decide how to manage his share of the inheritance, and that the businessman respects whatever decision he chooses to make.
Following the actress's death, DJ Koo had previously announced that he intended to give up his share of the inheritance and instead transfer it to Barbie's mother, Huang Chun-mei.
“These are assets that Hee-won (Barbie) used her blood and sweat to earn, so she can protect the family she loved, I plan to give it up to my mother-in-law. As for the children’s portion, I will take legal measures through a lawyer to protect it until the children become adults, so that bad people cannot touch it,” he said, as translated by The Straits Times.
He added: “The time I spent with Hee-won was a precious and invaluable gift that I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world. I believe that protecting the family that Hee-won loved most is the last thing I can do for her.”
Description: Barbie Hsu with DJ Koo
It likewise refuted speculation that Barbie's mother could be forced to leave the home. Although she had previously claimed she was at risk of being asked to move out, his camp clarified that no such request has been made and that he agrees she may continue living there.
The legal team added that future decisions regarding the estate, asset management, and the children's living arrangements will continue to be handled in accordance with the law while prioritizing the welfare of their two children. It also urged the public to refrain from speculation.
Taiwanese media outlets estimate Barbie's estate to be worth around 600 million yuan (around ₱5.4 billion), including her property at the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, a penthouse, and the assets she received as part of her divorce settlement with Xiaofei.
Meanwhile, Barbie's family has previously denied allegations of an inheritance feud involving them and DJ Koo. In February, her family emphasized that they maintain a good relationship with him.
“I detest lawsuits. They waste people and money. I now call Koo Jun-yup my son. He is my son. Just as he loved (Barbie) so deeply and respected me, I also love him," said Huang Chun-mei, as reported by The Korea Times.