Barbie Hsu, the Taiwanese performer best known for the Asian drama 'Meteor Garden,' has died after contracting pneumonia triggered by the flu. She was 48.

Barbie Hsu remains a popular figure of the Asian pop culture, becoming the most-loved S han Cai. She also redefined the image of a leading lady, breaking stereotypes with her relatable persona and inspiring a new generation of actresses and drama heroines.

Taiwanese actor Barbie Hsu, who rose to fame across East Asia as the romantic lead in the 2001 television drama "Meteor Garden", has died of influenza aged 48, her sister said on Monday.