Korean singer Koo Jun-yup has created a touching sculpture in memory of his late wife, Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, which has captured the attention of many.
On November 2, Koo shared a video on his social media showcasing the process of creating the sculpture dedicated to Barbie Hsu. Despite appearing visibly worn out, Koo meticulously attended to every detail of the sculpture. Titled 'Hsu's Eternal Orbit,' the sculpture depicts a girl with hands gently placed on her chest, wearing a serene smile, seemingly embodying Hsu.
The video also includes behind-the-scenes footage of the sculpture's unveiling ceremony. Koo expressed, "It's been a year since Hsu left us. I wanted to create this sculpture so that she could always be with us." He added, "Hsu often told me she was an 'alien from another planet,' so I wanted to create a galaxy just for her." Overcome with emotion, he said, "I miss you, Hsu."
Surrounding the sculpture are nine cubes, symbolizing the planets including the sun, the number 9 which was Hsu's lucky number, and a nod to Koo's name. The sculpture faces approximately 208 degrees south, towards Taipei, where Koo and his family reside, and also signifies their wedding anniversary on February 8.
Photos shared by the sculpture's collaborator reveal Koo's deep longing for Hsu, capturing moments from his intense focus during the creation process to his reflective gaze upon the completed work. Koo also expressed his undying love by kissing Hsu's tombstone, which reads 'Forever Love.'
Koo also shared a heartfelt handwritten letter to Hsu, expressing his longing. "How is it there? Are you cold or hot? I'm always worried," he wrote. "When I sit blankly in a corner of the bed, I wish it were a dream, and my heart aches." He continued, "Driving to Jinbaoshan with food, tears flow endlessly from missing you. But this is the last way I can soothe my longing for you, so please understand. Hsu, let's be together forever when we meet again. I miss you. I miss you so much. I miss you to death."
Barbie Hsu passed away in February last year during a trip to Japan due to pneumonia and influenza at the age of 48. Hsu and Koo dated for about a year in 1998 but eventually parted ways. Hsu later married her ex-husband in 2011 and divorced in 2021. She and Koo reunited after more than 20 years and announced their marriage in 2022. Sadly, Hsu's passing left Koo bereaved.
Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr