Taiwanese Rush to Get Flu Shots Following the Death of Koo Jun-Yup’s Wife, Barbie Hsu

Surge in Vaccination Rates as Concern Grows Over Influenza-Related Complications

Taiwanese citizens are rushing to get flu vaccinations following the shocking news of the death of Barbie Hsu (Xu Xiyuan), a renowned Taiwanese actress and the wife of Koo Jun-Yup, a former member of the Korean pop duo CLON. Hsu reportedly passed away due to pneumonia complications after contracting influenza, raising public concern about the dangers of the virus.

According to Taiwanese media outlets such as United Daily News and China Times, flu vaccination demand has surged dramatically since the news of Hsu’s passing broke. Many individuals who had never received a flu shot before are now seeking immunization for the first time. On February 3rd alone, nearly 40,000 Taiwanese residents received flu vaccinations—a record-high daily number not seen since November 9th of the previous year.

Healthcare centers across Taiwan have been overwhelmed with inquiries regarding flu vaccinations, and long lines have formed outside clinics. In some areas, particularly in the capital city of Taipei, vaccine supplies have run out, forcing individuals to seek immunization in neighboring regions. Currently, Taiwan’s government has only about 100,000 flu vaccine doses left, and officials expect this supply to be depleted within the week, triggering concerns over vaccine shortages.

A Taiwanese public health official noted that the death of Barbie Hsu has heightened public awareness of influenza-related complications, especially among younger adults. Previously, many Taiwanese citizens viewed flu-related fatalities as a risk mainly affecting the elderly. However, Hsu’s passing at the age of 48 has changed this perception, leading to a surge in vaccination efforts.

Medical Experts Weigh in on the Cause of Death

The Taiwanese Centers for Disease Control has attempted to reassure the public, stating that the nation’s current flu vaccination rate has surpassed 30%, exceeding the recommended 23% threshold needed to prevent widespread influenza transmission. However, media reports continue to scrutinize the circumstances surrounding Hsu’s sudden death.

On February 4th, leading Taiwanese news outlets reported comments from medical professionals, including Dr. Huang Gaobin of China Medical University Hospital. He suggested that Hsu’s cause of death may have been linked to septic shock caused by influenza-induced cytokine storm, a condition in which the immune system overreacts to infection, damaging organs such as the lungs.

Another infectious disease specialist highlighted that Hsu had experienced multiple pregnancy losses due to immune-related complications in the past, indicating that she may have been immunocompromised and thus more vulnerable to severe flu complications.

Hsu’s Illness Progressed Rapidly During a Trip to Japan

Further details have emerged regarding the timeline of Hsu’s illness. A Taiwanese tour guide who accompanied Hsu and her family on a recent trip to Japan revealed via the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu that she first exhibited symptoms on January 29th, experiencing coughing and asthma-like breathing difficulties.

Despite these symptoms, Hsu and her family traveled from Tokyo to Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture. On January 31st, her condition worsened, prompting a visit to a local hospital via ambulance. She received medical treatment and returned to her accommodation, but her health continued to deteriorate.

On February 1st, while traveling through a rural area, Hsu reportedly experienced unbearable pain and sought additional medical care. Doctors at a local clinic advised hospitalization, and she was transferred to a larger medical facility, where she was diagnosed with Type A influenza. She was prescribed medication but developed severe complications overnight.

By the night of February 2nd, Hsu’s condition became critical, and she was rushed by ambulance to a hospital in Tokyo. Despite emergency treatment, she passed away at approximately 7:00 AM on February 3rd.

Family and Friends Mourn Barbie Hsu’s Sudden Passing

Hsu’s sudden passing has left family, friends, and fans devastated. Reports indicate that her mother, younger sister (actress Dee Hsu), and husband Koo Jun-Yup were present in Japan at the time of her death. Following the tragic news, Koo Jun-Yup was seen giving his late wife a final farewell, with witnesses describing the heartbreaking moment as deeply emotional.

Fashion designer Lee Sang-bong, a close friend of Koo Jun-Yup, shared on February 4th that he had exchanged text messages with the grieving artist, who told him he was trying to remain strong.

Meanwhile, Hsu’s ex-husband, Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei, who was in Thailand at the time of her passing, immediately returned to Taiwan. Upon arrival at Taoyuan International Airport, he briefly spoke to reporters, stating, “She will always be part of our family.”

Barbie Hsu and Koo Jun-Yup had a love story spanning decades. The couple reunited after nearly 20 years and registered their marriage in South Korea on February 8, 2022, followed by an official marriage registration in Taiwan on March 28, 2022.

The Impact of Barbie Hsu’s Death on Public Health Awareness in Taiwan

The unexpected death of a high-profile celebrity like Barbie Hsu has underscored the dangers of influenza and its potential complications. Taiwanese citizens are now more conscious of the importance of flu vaccinations, and public health officials are facing increased pressure to ensure an adequate vaccine supply.

Medical experts continue to emphasize that individuals with pre-existing health conditions or weakened immune systems should take extra precautions, including getting vaccinated, wearing masks, and seeking prompt medical attention for flu symptoms.

As Taiwan deals with this sudden health scare, discussions surrounding the risks of influenza-related pneumonia and the need for improved flu prevention strategies are expected to continue dominating public discourse