Barbie Hsu’s family shuts down $32 million inheritance feud rumors involving DJ Koo

Late Barbie Hsu and DJ Koo / Captured from Koo's social media

The family of late Taiwanese actor Barbie Hsu has publicly rejected reports suggesting a dispute with her husband, South Korean singer DJ Koo (Koo Jun-yup), over her inheritance, calling the the claims harmful speculation.

Nearly a year after her death, the Taiwanese media reported Tuesday that Koo was preparing legal action against Hsu’s mother over the division of the late actor’s estate, describing alleged tensions behind the family’s appearance at a recent memorial statue, unveiled to mark the first anniversary of her death.

Further reports claimed Hsu’s mother had appointed a lawyer in response.

Hsu’s mother, however, rejected the claims outright, emphasizing her relationship with Koo.

“I detest lawsuits. They waste people and money,” she said. “I now call Koo my son. He deeply loved my daughter and respects me. He is part of our family.”

Hsu’s younger sister, Dee Hsu, also addressed the reports.

“Whoever creates this sort of rumor is malicious and has ill intent. Koo gave my sister pure love and real happiness. Our family is grateful to him,” she said. “He is our family. We will protect him.”

Dee Hsu expressed hope that speculation surrounding family discord would come to an end. Messages of support have since appeared across local social media platforms.

Late Barbie Hsu and DJ Koo / Captured from Barbie Hsu's social media

The Taiwanese actor and Korean singer first dated in 1998 before separating. They reunited after more than two decades and married in 2022, drawing widespread attention across Asian entertainment circles. Hsu died in February 2025 from acute pneumonia while on a family trip to Japan.

After her death, local media reported that the estate Hsu left behind is estimated at no less than 1 billion New Taiwan dollars (around $32 million). Under Taiwanese inheritance law, Hsu’s two minor children and Koo are each expected to inherit one-third of the estate.

Koo previously issued a public message as speculative news articles appeared about the inheritance.

“I’m enduring excruciating pain and grief, and I have neither the strength nor the will to speak,” he said.

“The inheritance represents the result of Hsu’s lifelong effort to protect her family. I intend to hand over all authority related to my portion to my mother-in-law.”

This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.