Koo Jun-yup Breaks Silence on Late Wife Barbie Hsu’s Inheritance: ‘Gut-Wrenching Pain’

Former Clon member Koo Jun-yup (55) shared his deep sorrow following the recent passing of his wife, renowned Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu (48, Korean name Seo Hee-won). Hsu passed away on February 3 during a trip to Japan due to pneumonia complications following the flu.

In an emotional Instagram post on February 6, Koo expressed his gratitude to those mourning his wife’s death, stating, “I want to deeply thank everyone who has shown their condolences for Hee-won.”

He described his current state as one of “indescribable sadness and gut-wrenching pain,” admitting that he had no strength to speak and didn’t wish to say anything at first. However, Koo explained that he decided to speak out due to malicious rumors and attacks that began circulating before the family even had time to properly grieve.

“There are people pretending to be sad, walking around in the rain, while others are spreading fake news about insurance and expenses to tarnish our family’s image,” he said. “I am horrified to see that such malicious people truly exist in this world.”

He pleaded with the public, saying, “Can’t you please let Hee-won rest in peace? I beg you—please, leave us be.”

Koo also addressed the growing speculation about his wife’s inheritance, clarifying that the assets Hsu left behind were the result of her hard work to support her loved ones. “I plan to entrust full authority over these matters to my mother-in-law,” he explained.

Regarding her children, Koo stated that he would take legal measures to protect their inheritance through a lawyer until they come of age, ensuring no harm comes to them from outside influences.

Barbie Hsu had a 10-year-old daughter and an 8-year-old son from her previous marriage to Wang Xiaofei. Although Koo Jun-yup (55) remarried Hsu, he did not legally adopt her two children. As a result, custody of the children is expected to be granted to Wang Xiaofei.

Reflecting on his time with Hsu, Koo shared, “The time I spent with Hee-won was a priceless gift, something I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world. I believe my final responsibility is to protect the family she loved the most.”

He concluded his heartfelt message by once again thanking everyone who has shown love and support during this difficult time, bowing in gratitude for their compassion.

Koo Jun-yup and Barbie Hsu captivated fans both in Korea and abroad with their almost cinematic love story, overcoming 23 years of separation. The two first met in 1998, during Clon’s peak in the Hallyu wave, and dated for a year. However, the challenges of a long-distance relationship and opposition from their management agencies led to their breakup.

In 2021, Koo heard the news of Hsu’s divorce and, gathering his courage, decided to call her. To his surprise, Hsu had intentionally kept the same phone number for 23 years—just in case he ever reached out.