Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu. Photo from Barbie’s Weibo

According to Taiwanese lawyer Lu Chiou Yuan, as reported by Dimsum Daily, Barbie’s assets are expected to be divided equally among her DJ Koo and her two children.

As the children’s legal guardian, her ex-husband, Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei, could manage their share of the inheritance, raising concerns about potential disputes. While responsible guardians typically establish trusts to secure their children’s financial future, Lu cautioned that ulterior motives could lead to legal battles over asset control.

Sinchew also reported that lawyers have stated the legal heirs to Barbie’s estate are DJ Koo, and her two minor children. The couple registered their marriage in South Korea on Feb. 8, 2022, and are believed to have registered it in Taiwan on March 28 of the same year.

Xu Yushuo, an attorney specializing in estate management and trusts, told NOWnews that if Barbie and DJ Koo registered their marriage in Taiwan, the country’s laws stipulate that he can claim half of the total marital assets tax-free, with the remaining half equally divided between Barbie’s two children. In cases where the children hold Taiwanese citizenship, they are eligible to inherit their deceased parent’s assets. However, if they hold Chinese citizenship, each child can inherit no more than NT$2 million.

Citing ETToday, Sao Star reported that Barbie secured numerous endorsement deals throughout her career, amounting to 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 Wang for US$12 million.

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

Lu said Taiwanese law dictates that custody of Barbie’s children will automatically transfer to Wang Xiaofei.

“Even if custody was originally granted to one parent following a divorce, the surviving parent assumes custody rights upon the death of the other,” Lu explained.

This legal principle applies regardless of any will Barbie may have left, as only a surviving parent can designate a guardian through a will. Despite Barbie’s remarriage to South Korean musician DJ Koo, he did not legally adopt her children, meaning Wang retains full legal rights over their upbringing.

This situation could become contentious if Barbie’s family contests Wang’s custody, potentially seeking a court order to modify custody arrangements to minimize disruption to the children’s lives and consider their preferences. However, legal experts note that altering custody without Wang’s consent would be challenging.

Barbie’s family confirmed her passing in a statement released by her sister, Taiwanese host Dee Hsu, on Monday.

“Thank you for all the concern,” Dee expressed. “Over the Lunar New Year period, our entire family travelled to Japan for a holiday, and my most beloved, kindest elder sister Barbie caught influenza-related pneumonia and has unfortunately left us.”

“I am thankful to be her sister in this life, and grateful that we have taken care of each other and kept each other company all these years. I will always be thankful to her and remember her,” she continued. “Shan [Barbie’s nickname], rest in peace. We love you always. Together remember forever.”

Speculation about Barbie’s death began with a Facebook post and was initially met with doubt, given her recent public appearances in good health, including attending a wedding in January and featuring in a New Year’s post by DJ Koo. Leaked medical reports revealed that the actress missed two critical chances to be saved in Japan.

The actress was renowned for her roles in TV dramas like “Meteor Garden,” “Mars,” and “Summer’s Desire.” Her personal life, particularly her marriages, was consistently a subject of media and public interest.