The family of the late Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu has returned to the center of public attention in China following reports of mounting financial difficulties.
According to Chinese media, Barbie Hsu’s mother Huang Chunmei broke down in tears, revealing that she may soon lose the apartment her daughter bought for her retirement. The property reportedly faces foreclosure after mortgage payments went unpaid for months.
Huang Chunmei said Barbie Hsu’s remaining assets are now worth less than NT$2 million (about US$68,000), leaving her unable to cover the outstanding mortgage on her own. In the midst of the financial crisis, Huang Chunmei publicly called on those who inherited Barbie Hsu’s property to take responsibility for paying off her outstanding debts and saving the apartment.
According to the court’s inheritance ruling, Barbie Hsu’s two sons, Wang Xiyue and Wang Xilin, together with her husband DJ Koo (Koo Jun Yup) are the legal heirs of her property. However, since the children are still minors, their father Wang Xiaofei, as the legal guardian, currently manages their inherited assets. Reports suggest that DJ Koo could be left responsible for paying inheritance taxes and mortgage-related obligations unless a deal is reached with Wang Xiaofei.
According to China Times, Barbie Hsu’s 12-year-old daughter unexpectedly deleted her Instagram account on July 10 after using it for only two months. The report said he has struggled with constant public attention over his mother’s death, discussions about his life with his stepmother and ongoing news reports about the family’s financial problems.
Meanwhile, DJ Koo was reportedly seen kneeling and crying at Barbie Hsu’s grave following the inheritance controversy. Witnesses reported that the Korean singer appeared reserved and spoke very little in recent days.
Earlier this year, DJ Koo publicly announced that he intended to give up his share of Barbie Hsu’s estate. It is unclear whether the court formally approved that decision. Some local reports speculate that, depending on how the estate is handled, the estate’s debts could significantly impact those legally entitled to inherit it.
Barbie Hsu’s family confirmed that the actress died from complications related to the flu and pneumonia. She was cremated in Japan on February 2, 2025, before her ashes were flown back to Taiwan by private jet with DJ Koo and her family on February 5. On March 15, 2025, his ashes were buried in Jinguangyuan Cemetery on Jinshan Mountain during a rainy memorial ceremony. Chinese media reported that his two sons were not present at the burial ceremony.
Sources: kenh14
