Barbie Hsu’s husband DJ Koo renounces inheritance rights to her multi-million dollar assets

Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu and her husband, South Korean musician DJ Koo. Photo from Hsu's Instagram

The musician shared the news on Instagram on Thursday.

"I want to talk about the precious legacy Barbie left behind," he wrote. "All of her assets, which she worked so hard to protect for the family she loved the most, will be entrusted to her mother. I will relinquish all my rights to them."

Citing ETToday, Sao Star reported that Hsu secured numerous endorsement deals throughout her career, amassing US$4.75 million. She also invested in real estate, owning three luxury properties. She purchased two villas worth a combined US$18 million and, in 2016, acquired a 760-square-meter apartment in Taipei’s Xinyi District with her then-husband, Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei, for US$12 million.

Following their 2021 divorce, Mirror Media estimated that Hsu received NT$600 million (US$19 million) from their total assets, which were valued at NT$950 million. Sohu reported that Wang, now 45, also left her and their two children a 720-square-meter villa to ensure their financial stability. Wang had previously disclosed that Hsu’s monthly expenses exceeded NT$1 million, a statement that sparked controversy.

DJ Koo also vowed to ensure that Hsu’s children, whom she shared with Wang, would be protected from any malicious influences. He expressed his intention to pursue legal measures to safeguard their upbringing.

"I will protect everything that she loved—this is my final duty," he said. "Please, I beg you, do nothing but let our Barbie rest in peace. I earnestly plead with you."

According to Pinkvilla, Hsu and DJ Koo’s relationship first drew media attention in 1998. The Straits Times reported that they met when DJ Koo, now 56, traveled to Taiwan to promote his work and was interviewed by Hsu and her younger sister Dee Hsu on the entertainment show "100% Entertainment," where the sisters were hosts.

Before meeting him, Hsu had declared herself a fan of DJ Koo and expressed her wish to marry him.

The couple separated in 2000 due to a dating ban imposed by DJ Koo’s management agency. They rekindled their romance after DJ Koo learned of Hsu’s divorce from Wang.

Hsu’s family confirmed her passing in a statement released by her sister Dee Hsu on Monday. Her ashes have since been brought back to Taiwan by her family.