On February 4, Kang Won-rae uploaded three posts to her SNS, revealing the story behind their visit. She explained that February 2 marked one year since Barbie Hsu, who Koo affectionately called “From S”is dead. Wanting to be there for his friend, Kang traveled to Taipei without notifying Koo in advance, accompanied by fellow friend Hong Rok-gi.
Kang recalled their reunion, saying that Koo Jun-yup looked noticeably thinner, to the point that the clothes Barbie Hsu gave him 26 years ago still fit. Reportedly, after seeing each other after a long time, Koo and Hong Rok-gi hugged each other and burst into tears. Kang described the moment as one filled with silence, pain and wordless tears.
In his second post, Kang shared a photo of a small note that Koo Jun-yup had written, repeatedly scribbling Barbie Hsu’s name. Kang explained that while waiting backstage at an event, Koo had been listening to Korean songs repeatedly and was crying while writing something. When the staff later took Koo away, Kang noticed the paper with Barbie Hsu’s name on it and kept it, fearing it might be thrown away.
Kang also shared lyrics from Kim Na-young’s song “More Than the Scent of Spring,” which is believed to be the song Koo was listening to at the time: “The day we meet again, I will run to you first. With all the love I could not express, I will love you even more.” The words resonated deeply with fans.
In his final post, Kang reflected on a visit he made last summer. After reading reports that Koo Jun-yup visited his late wife’s grave every day, Kang flew to Taipei, feeling guilty that he could not attend either the wedding or the funeral. After contacting Koo, they agreed to meet at the cemetery parking lot the following morning.
Kang revealed that Koo carried him on his back up the stairs to the tomb. Koo then returned with three lunchboxes, one for Barbie Hsu, one for Kang, and one for himself. The meal was an egg bibimbap, something Koo made for Kang nearly 40 years ago. Koo greeted his wife, saying: “Won-rae is here to see you,” and added, “Hee-won, let’s eat together.” Kang said he burst into tears and couldn’t take a single biteWhile Koo cried quietly next to him.
Barbie Hsu died on February 2 last year at the age of 48 from influenza accompanied by pneumonia during a family trip to Japan. After cremation in Japan, his remains were transferred to Taiwan and buried in Jinbaoshan Memorial Park.
Sources: Nate News
