On February 4, Kang Won-rae uploaded three posts on his SNS, revealing the story behind their visit. He explained that February 2 marked one year since Barbie Hsu, whom Koo affectionately called “Da S”, passed away. Wanting to be there for his friend, Kang traveled to Taipei without notifying Koo in advance, accompanied by fellow friend Hong Rok-gi.
Kang recalled their reunion, saying Koo Jun-yup looked noticeably thinner, to the point that clothes Barbie Hsu had gifted him 26 years ago still fit. Upon seeing each other after a long time, Koo and Hong Rok-gi reportedly embraced and burst into tears. Kang described the moment as one filled with silence, grief, and wordless tears.
In his second post, Kang shared a photo of a small note Koo Jun-yup had written, repeatedly scribbling Barbie Hsu’s name. Kang explained that while waiting backstage at an event, Koo had been listening to Korean songs on repeat and crying as he wrote something down. When staff later led Koo away, Kang noticed the paper with Barbie Hsu’s name and kept it, fearing it might be thrown away.
Kang also shared lyrics from Kim Na-young’s song “More Than the Scent of Spring,” believed to be the song Koo was listening to at the time: “The day we meet again, I’ll run to you first. With all the love I couldn’t express, I’ll love you even more.” The words resonated deeply with fans.
In his final post, Kang reflected on a visit he made last summer. After reading news reports that Koo Jun-yup was visiting his late wife’s grave every day, Kang flew to Taipei, feeling guilty that he had been unable to attend either the wedding or the funeral. After contacting Koo, they agreed to meet at the cemetery parking lot the following morning.
Kang revealed that Koo carried him on his back up the stairs leading to the grave. Koo then returned with three packed lunchboxes, one for Barbie Hsu, one for Kang, and one for himself. The meal was egg bibimbap, something Koo used to make for Kang nearly 40 years ago. Koo greeted his wife, saying, “Won-rae is here to see you,” and added, “Hee-won, let’s eat together.” Kang said he broke down in tears and could not take a single bite, while Koo quietly cried beside him.
Barbie Hsu passed away on February 2 last year at the age of 48 due to influenza accompanied by pneumonia during a family trip to Japan. After cremation in Japan, her remains were transferred to Taiwan and laid to rest at Jinbaoshan Memorial Park.
Sources: 네이트 뉴스