Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu and singer Koo Jun-yup had secretly planned a relocation to South Korea with Hsu’s two children before her death in February 2025.
The planned transition was more than a change of scenery; it was a strategic attempt by Barbie Hsu to secure her children’s future and restart her career. According to reporting from Chosun Ilbo, Hsu aimed to capitalize on the attention she received in the South Korean entertainment industry following her marriage to Koo Jun-yup to pursue new acting projects.
Financial Transfers and Family Conflict
Executing the move required significant financial maneuvering. Reports indicate that Hsu secretly transferred assets worth approximately TWD 10 million—roughly 450 million won—to South Korea. This financial shift, however, triggered a rift with her mother, who had been managing her assets and strongly opposed the relocation to Korea.
To resolve the deadlock and appease her mother, Hsu reportedly prepared to transfer ownership of a luxury mansion located on the grounds of the National Gallery. Despite these efforts, the opposition remained a primary hurdle in the couple’s attempt to finalize the move.
The stakes for the children were equally high. While the couple began scouting South Korean schools, Chosun Ilbo noted that Hsu had already obtained her children’s consent, with her daughter specifically expressing positivity about the move due to her fondness for Hallyu culture.
Wang Xiaofei’s Interference and Legal Tension
The urgency of the relocation was driven by the behavior of Hsu’s ex-husband, Wang Xiaofei. 스포츠조선 that Hsu suffered severe stress due to Wang’s repeated misconduct, which including trying to break into her home without permission while drunk and threatening to spread rumors that Hsu and her sister, Seo Hee-je, were addicted to drugs.
Wang became particularly anxious in January 2025—one month before Hsu’s death—after learning that the family was pursuing the relocation through legal channels. Although he attempted to contact Hsu directly to discuss the matter, she refused to communicate with him.
The friction continued after Hsu’s death. While Wang Xiaofei currently holds custody of the children, reports suggest he forced Hsu’s mother out of the National Gallery mansion. Though Wang claimed to have arranged her stay, sources indicate he demanded a monthly rent of TWD 500,000, or approximately 22.6 million won.
Estate Value and Koo Jun-yup’s Current Status
The aftermath of the failed relocation has left a complex financial and emotional wake. Barbie Hsu’s estate was reportedly valued at 120 billion Korean won. This substantial sum has led to ongoing legal friction, as Koo Jun-yup has reportedly entered mediation proceedings with Wang Xiaofei’s side regarding the distribution of the inheritance.
For Koo Jun-yup, the loss of his wife has resulted in a complete professional hiatus. He has stopped all public activities and now visits Jinbao Mountain every day to pay his respects and spend time in remembrance.
The contrast in the current state of the family is stark: while the children remain with Wang Xiaofei and the estate remains tied up in mediation, Koo Jun-yup remains in a state of mourning, separated from the family unit they had intended to build in South Korea.
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