After nearly 25 years, looking back at the premature passing of many actors from Meteor Garden, audiences are left in shock and disbelief.

The Taiwanese adaptation of Meteor Garden (China) aired in 2001-2002 and remains a legendary idol drama, marking the youth of many generations of Asian fans. One of its most remarkable aspects was how it propelled young artists like Barbie Hsu, Jerry Yan, Vic Chou, Vanness Wu, Ken Chu, and Rainie Yang to A-list stardom in Chinese entertainment.

While the series was a solid stepping stone for many actors, looking back after nearly 25 years, the cast members have experienced significant changes, and unfortunately, many have not been fortunate. According to HK01, five actors, both main and supporting, have tragically passed away due to illness before reaching 50.

1. Barbie Hsu

Barbie Hsu gained fame across Asia for her role as Shan Cai in Meteor Garden. Following the drama, she was nominated for Best Actress at the prestigious Golden Bell Awards. Despite multiple adaptations of Meteor Garden over the years, Barbie Hsu’s portrayal of Shan Cai remains iconic and unforgettable, solidifying her status as a legendary actress.

On February 3, the Asian entertainment industry was shaken when Barbie Hsu’s family confirmed that she had passed away at 48 due to influenza and pneumonia while traveling in Japan. Her body was cremated in Japan on the same day, and her ashes will be brought back to Taiwan (China) for burial on February 6.

There have been conflicting reports regarding her sudden passing. Some Chinese sources claim she suffered from sepsis or severe influenza A leading to multiple organ failure. Many have questioned whether she could have survived if she had been hospitalized earlier. Barbie Hsu’s family has yet to comment on these speculations.

Her untimely death has been a major shock to the Chinese entertainment industry.

2. Xu Wei Lun

Xu Wei Lun was one of the most sought-after actresses during the golden era of Taiwanese idol dramas in the 2000s. She appeared as a guest star in Meteor Garden, featuring in just one episode.

On January 28, 2007, Xu Wei Lun passed away at the age of 29 due to a tragic car accident. While returning home after filming, her assistant lost control of the car on a highway in Taichung, Taiwan (China), causing it to crash into the barrier and spin out of control. A truck from behind was unable to brake in time and crashed into her vehicle, crushing the back of the car.

While her assistant suffered only minor injuries, Xu Wei Lun was critically wounded. Upon arrival at the hospital, she was in a deep coma, suffering from severe brain hemorrhage, bleeding from both ears, and chest trauma. Doctors predicted that even if she survived, she would be in a vegetative state.

Despite 48 hours of intensive treatment, she succumbed to her injuries at 19:37 on January 28, 2007. Her tragic death left her family, friends, and fans across Asia heartbroken.

3. Xu Hua Phuong

Xu Hua Phuong, born in 1970, started her career as a contestant in the Miss China pageant before entering the entertainment industry. She was known for her role as Dao Ming Zhuang, Dao Ming Si’s sister (played by Jerry Yan) in Meteor Garden. Although a supporting character, she won the audience’s affection.

In 2008, Xu Hua Phuong was diagnosed with stage 3 stomach cancer and had to halt her acting career for treatment. She underwent multiple painful surgeries, including the removal of her entire stomach, spleen, part of her pancreas, and esophagus, along with 25 sessions of chemotherapy and radiation over five months.

Her condition initially showed signs of improvement. However, out of fear that her husband, businessman Tang Wei Shi, would leave her after just one year of marriage due to her illness, she chose to stop chemotherapy to conceive a child. This decision led to the cancer silently returning and spreading to her uterus. In an attempt to save her life, she underwent a hysterectomy, ending her dream of motherhood.

On December 6, 2011, after three years of battling cancer, Xu Hua Phuong passed away at 41 due to multiple organ failure caused by metastasized cancer.

4. An Jun Can

An Jun Can was a member of the boy band K-One and a popular entertainment show host in Taiwanese showbiz. He appeared in Meteor Garden II as a friend of Dao Ming Si.

In 2013, An Jun Can was diagnosed with liver cancer. Prior to this, he had been treating hepatitis B and had a history of cirrhosis. By 2015, his condition worsened as the cancer reached its final stage and spread to his bones.

Doctors estimated he had at least two months left to live, but unexpectedly, within just two weeks, he suffered massive gastric bleeding, coagulation disorders, and severe liver damage. Realizing he had little time left, he requested to be discharged from the hospital. On June 1, 2015, he passed away at the age of 32. It was only after his death that colleagues, friends, and the media learned about his battle with cancer, as he had kept it a secret for years.

5. Dai Bing

Dai Bing, whose real name was Yu Bing Xian, was born in 1975 and was a renowned comedian in Taiwan (China). He played a minor role in Meteor Garden II. In 2012, he passed away at 37 due to acute pneumonia and multiple organ failure

The deaths of these five actors have left deep sorrow in the hearts of their families, colleagues, and countless fans. Meteor Garden remains a legendary drama, but its cast has faced heartbreaking tragedies over the years.