Actress Barbie Hsu has died aged 48

Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu has died aged 48

The star was best known for her role in the 2001 TV series Meteor Garden, which was broadcast across many countries, including Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand.

Hsu is believed to have fallen ill while on a trip to Japan.

"During the Lunar New Year, our family came to Japan for vacation. My dearest sister Barbie has unfortunately left us after getting pneumonia, triggered by influenza," Barbie's sister Dee Hsu said in a statement issued by her manager.

Hsu had previously been hospitalised due to seizures, and had a history of epilepsy and heart disease.

She is survived by her husband, South Korean singer DJ Koo, and their two children.

Hsu was a huge star in the Mandarin-speaking world, and began her career aged 17 alongside her sister.

Meteor Garden was what saw her rise to fame, though, with the adaptation of a 1990s Japanese comic seeing her become famous beyond China.

She went on to star in other shows and movies, including Corner With Love and Summer's Desire.