On Monday, Zhang wrote on social media: “May Yue’er’s mother go to heaven and rest in peace.”
“Wang Xiaofei and I, as the children’s family, are willing to lend a helping hand if there is any need in handling funeral affairs,” adding that Hsu’s passing is a great loss for their family and a heavy blow to her two children, as reported by Yahoo Singapore.
“Our first priority now is to comfort and protect the two children. This is the common responsibilities of the two families,” Zhang said.
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Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu and ex-husband Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei. Photo from Instagram |
Her statement comes amid criticism from netizens for continuing live-streaming activities despite news of Hsu’s death. Wang and his new wife, Mandy, left their holiday in Thailand and returned to Taiwan upon hearing the news.
Public attention has since shifted to the custody of Wang and Hsu’s two children, aged 11 and 9. Next Apple reported that Wang is likely to be granted custody. The children had been living with their mother and stepfather in Taiwan, with Wang occasionally visiting or bringing them to Beijing to see Zhang.
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 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.”
Hsu gained fame from her roles in TV series such as “Meteor Garden,” “Mars,” and “Summer’s Desire.” Her personal life, especially her marriages, has always been a focal point of public and media interest.
She was married to Wang, 43, from 2011 until their divorce in 2021, and they have two children together.
Following the divorce, Hsu reunited with her ex-boyfriend, South Korean musician DJ Koo, and married him in Feb. 2022. The couple resumed their life together until her untimely death.
Wang later married Mandy in May 2024.
