As the heartbreaking love story of Koo Jun Yup and the late Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu spreads, their first meeting from nearly 20 years ago has come back into the spotlight.
Following the news of Koo Jun Yup and Barbie Hsu’s marriage in 2022, a video of their first meeting—uploaded on the YouTube channel of the Taiwanese variety show 100Entertainment—was flooded with comments from international and Korean netizens on February 11.
Many expressed their condolences, writing, "I hope they can be together for a long time in their next life," and "Sending comfort and peace to the bereaved family."
In the video, Koo Jun Yup and Barbie Hsu gaze at each other affectionately, seemingly lost in each other's eyes. It is said that their love began at that very moment. Greeting Koo Jun Yup in Korean, Barbie Hsu said, "Hello. Oh, you’re so cool," to which Koo responded with a simple "Xièxiè (thank you)."
When Barbie Hsu’s younger sister, Dee Hsu, asked about his ideal type, Koo Jun Yup replied, "I want someone I have a connection with, someone sophisticated."
Meanwhile, Taiwanese netizens have been affectionately calling Koo Jun Yup "the nation’s brother-in-law." They have also dismissed false reports circulating in Chinese media, asserting, "(Taiwanese people) don’t pay attention to such meaningless rumors."
Koo Jun Yup and Barbie Hsu’s almost cinematic reunion and tragic farewell continue to touch hearts worldwide.
The two originally dated for a year around 1998 but broke up due to personal circumstances. However, after news of Barbie Hsu’s divorce surfaced, Koo Jun Yup reached out to her, rekindling their connection. Despite being a major star in Taiwan, Barbie Hsu had kept the same phone number for 20 years, leading many to call it "fate."
With the COVID-19 pandemic preventing them from meeting in person, they made the spontaneous yet sincere decision to get married. In an emotional reunion video aired on MBC’s 'Radio Star' in August 2023, the couple embraced and wept uncontrollably. Koo Jun Yup later reflected, "If I had to choose the most unforgettable moment in my life, it would be that one."
As their third wedding anniversary approached, tragedy struck. During a family trip to Japan, Barbie Hsu contracted influenza, which worsened into pneumonia, ultimately leading to her passing. Her ashes will reportedly be laid to rest in a Taiwanese tree burial site.
On February 4, Koo Jun Yup’s longtime friend and Clon bandmate Kang Won Rae offered words of support, saying, "Take care of yourself and stay strong." In response, Koo Jun Yup replied, "I’ll try to endure. If we talk on the phone, I think I’ll break down in tears, so I’m just messaging you."
On February 6, Koo Jun Yup expressed his grief on social media, writing, "I am going through indescribable sorrow and pain, a time of unbearable agony." Then, on February 8, which marked their wedding anniversary, he tagged Barbie Hsu’s account and left a final message: "I will love you forever."
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