Barbie Hsu’s mother faces backlash for putting actress’s mansion up for sale

By Linh Le June 30, 2025 | 01:21 am PT

The mother of the late Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu has sparked controversy by putting her daughter’s mansion up for sale, with critics accusing her of using her daughter’s image to attract attention.

Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu. Photo from Hsu's Weibo

According to Znews, a report from Sohu on Sunday revealed that Hsu’s mother Huang Chunmei is attempting to sell the mansion, allegedly due to unpaid mortgage payments, which have put the property at risk of repossession by the bank. However, the high value of the property and the current sluggish real estate market have made it difficult to find a buyer.

Dimsum Daily reported that Hsu’s mansion is valued at NT$460 million (US$15.7 million), with a monthly mortgage payment exceeding NT$1 million.

Adding fuel to the fire, Huang mentioned in a statement that she had "dreamt of her daughter," which many speculate is a tactic to shift media attention away from the family’s financial issues.

Meanwhile, Hsu’s younger sister Dee Hsu and husband, South Korean musician DJ Koo, were recently spotted in South Korea, fueling suspicions that they are managing the inheritance procedures for the late actress’ estate.

Huang has also reportedly sought sympathy from those around her, including Hsu’s ex-husband, Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei. However, sources say Wang has delegated matters concerning the inheritance to his lawyers and is avoiding further interaction with Hsu’s family.

In March, a Taiwanese court ruled that Hsu’s estate would be divided equally between DJ Koo and the two children she had with Wang. As their legal guardian, Wang will oversee their inheritance until they reach adulthood, according to The Standard. After DJ Koo declined his inheritance rights, Huang may be entitled to one-third of the estate.

Hsu, known for her roles in "Meteor Garden," "Mars," and "Summer’s Desire," passed away at the age of 49 while vacationing in Japan, with her family confirming her death on Feb. 3.

Hsu was married to Wang from 2011 to 2021, with their divorce citing "irreconcilable differences." In Feb. 2022, she remarried 56-year-old DJ Koo, while Wang registered his marriage to 26-year-old online influencer Mandy Ma in May 2024.