Dee Hsu, 47, says she still feels guilty for organising Japan trip where sister contracted fatal illness

Barbie Hsu's younger sister, Dee Hsu, said she regretted organising the Japan trip during which Barbie contracted influenza and pneumonia and subsequently passed away.

Barbie, an actress and singer who was widely known for her roles in "Meteor Garden" and "Mars", passed away in 2025 at the age of 48.

Her passing was confirmed on Feb. 3, 2025, through Hsu's agent, who shared a statement from her expressing gratitude for Barbie's companionship and bidding her farewell.

"Thank you for your concern! During the New Year, our family travelled to Japan. My dearest and kind sister Xiyuan unfortunately left us due to influenza and pneumonia. I am grateful to be her sister in this life, to take care of each other and accompany each other. I will always be grateful to her and miss her! Shan~ Rest in peace! I will always love you together remember forever."

Grief

Hsu, who is also a Taiwanese celebrity, addressed her grief on her talk show Dee Girls Talk on Apr. 20.

Speaking with her longtime collaborator Kevin Tsai, she described the difficult weeks that followed her sister's death.

According to Hong Kong media outlet HK01, Hsu said that in the immediate aftermath, she had turned to alcohol and could barely remember what her day-to-day looked like then.

She also recalled breaking down at home once, crying and screaming to the point that her daughter was frightened.

"I thought then that I could not behave this way in front of my daughter," she said, adding that she had to suppress her emotions for the sake of her child.

Regrets insisting on the trip

Hsu revealed that she was the one who planned the trip to Japan, saying her sole intention was to create a happy family memory.

She became emotional several times during the interview, suggesting that had she not pushed for the trip, her sister's death might have been avoided.

She recalled that Barbie, who would typically say she was tired and decline such outings, had been unusually enthusiastic about going this time.

Their mother had also initially objected, citing the higher flight prices and larger crowds typical of the Chinese New Year travel period.

They had chosen that period specifically also because it was a time when the family's children were available to join.

"If only I had listened to my mother, the tragedy would not have happened," Hsu said.

She added that though her mother has since comforted her and urged her not to blame herself, the guilt has not subsided.

"I was the one who initiated the trip. So whenever we miss Barbie and talk about her, I would tell my mum, 'It's all because I insisted on the trip,'" she said.

Hsu also shared that during her lowest moments, she had wished she could simply sleep and not wake up to face the world.

Since then, Hsu said she has found healthier ways to cope with her grief, such as watching dramas or keeping herself occupied with tasks that require her full concentration.

Top photos from Line Today and HK01