Family postpones Barbie Hsu’s tree burial

Taiwaneses actress Barbie Hsu. Photo from Hsu's Instagram

Originally scheduled for this week, the tree burial—where the deceased’s ashes are placed beneath a planted tree in a biodegradable bag—is on hold. DJ Koo opposes the current plan and desires a site he can visit at any time, according to a report by Znews citing Next Apple.

"I still hope for a private space where I can visit Barbie anytime in the future and remain close to her," DJ Koo expressed his wishes to Next Apple. "After discussing with the family, I decided to reconsider the burial site."

The actress’ family is currently in discussions to find a peaceful and private location for her final resting place.

Hsu’s sister Dee Hsu, a Taiwanese host, had previously revealed that the family had been in the process of obtaining local authorities’ permission for the tree burial.

"During our family dinners, we often talked about life and death, and everyone shared their personal thoughts," Dee Hsu recounted. "I remember my sister once said that if she passed away one day, she wished to be buried under a tree because it is environmentally friendly. That’s why we are currently going through the application process."

In the meantime, Hsu’s ashes will temporarily remain at their family home.

Hsu, famed for her roles in "Meteor Garden," "Mars," and "Summer’s Desire," died at age 49. Her death, confirmed by a statement from her sister on Feb. 3, followed initial speculation on Facebook. Leaked medical reports later showed she had missed critical medical interventions while in Japan.

Hsu’s personal life, particularly her romantic relationships, consistently drew public interest. She initially dated DJ Koo in 1998 after meeting him during his promotional visit to Taiwan, where he appeared on the "100% Entertainment" show, hosted by the Hsu sisters. A long-time admirer of DJ Koo, Hsu had once shared her wish to marry him.

However, their relationship faced a hiatus in 2000 due to a dating restriction imposed by DJ Koo’s management.

Hsu then got engaged to Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei in 2010, just 49 days after their first date, and married the following year. Although she frequently spoke well of Wang, they divorced in 2021 citing "irreconcilable differences."

After learning of her divorce, DJ Koo reached out to Hsu, and they reignited their relationship, marrying in Feb. 2022.