Wang’s action quickly went viral on Weibo, garnering tens of thousands of reactions within minutes.
Dimsum Daily reported that some netizens doubted the genuineness of Wang’s display of affection, with comments stating that “delayed love is worth less than grass.” Others criticized him for still calling Barbie “Wifey,” questioning its appropriateness given his current marriage and how his wife might feel about such remarks.
Wang and Hsu divorced in 2021. He remarried in May 2024 to Mandy, a businesswoman 18 years his junior, while Hsu also married South Korean musician DJ Koo.
Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu (R) and her ex-husband, Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei. Photo from Hsu’s Facebook |
Observant netizens soon noticed that he had subsequently edited the comment, posted on Tuesday, to simply read, “I miss you so much.”
The relationship between Wang and Hsu has remained a topic of public fascination. On a 2018 episode of the reality show “Happiness Trio,” Hsu shared that Wang became even more anxious than she did whenever she was unwell, having saved her life on multiple occasions.
At the time, Hsu described Wang as thoughtful, often comforting her during struggles with weight gain. He would peel shrimp for her, make concessions during arguments, and surprise her with heartfelt gifts.
Despite these tender memories, Hsu filed for divorce from Wang in 2021, with the divorce finalized in November of that year. According to Next AppleHsu’s manager revealed that after the split, Wang made several attempts to reconcile, but Hsu rejected him each time.
During a 2023 livestream, Wang admitted he still loved Hsu and wanted to reunite, expressing concern for her fragile health and his desire to care for her. He also hoped to remarry her so their children could be raised by both parents.
In 2023, Hsu accused Wang of failing to meet his post-divorce financial obligations. In March, a Taiwanese court ruled against Wang, ordering him to continue providing financial support as outlined in their agreement. Wang has since appealed the ruling.
Wang and his mother, businesswoman Zhang Lan, once posted online accusations claiming Hsu used drugs and was unfaithful. Although Wang later deleted these posts, screenshots had already spread widely on social media.
In 2024, Hsu alleged on social media that Wang had been unfaithful during their marriage. She claimed Zhang was aware of the affair but turned a blind eye, even meeting Wang’s mistress. Despite this, Zhang advised Hsu not to pursue a divorce. Hsu revealed that these experiences caused her deep emotional pain during their marriage.
Currently, many are concerned about who will gain custody of the couple’s two children following Hsu’s passing. According to Takungpaosome legal experts believe Wang is highly likely to be granted custody.
Hsu’s family confirmed her passing in a statement released by her sister, Taiwanese host Dee Hsu, on Monday.
“Thank you for all the concern,” Dee Hsu expressed. “Over the Lunar New Year period, our entire family traveled to Japan for a holiday, and my most beloved, kindest elder sister Barbie caught influenza- pneumonia and has unfortunately left us.”
“I am thankful to be her sister in this life, and grateful that we have taken care of each other and kept each other company all these years. I will always be thankful to her and remember her,” she continued. “Shan [Hsu’s nickname]rest in peace. We love you always. Together remember forever.”
Speculation about Hsu’s death began with a Facebook post and was initially met with skepticism due to her recent public appearances in good health, including attending a wedding in January and appearing in a New Year’s post by DJ Koo. Leaked medical reports revealed that the actress missed two critical chances to be saved while in Japan.
The actress was renowned for her roles in TV dramas like “Meteor Garden,” “Mars,” and “Summer’s Desire.”