𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐒 | 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿-𝗘𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆

Report by Hazel Ann Pugoy | Layout by Mary Jane Vergara

Meteor Garden, a name that resonates with fans of Asian drama across the globe, has undergone an incredible transformation over the years, a movie that has been loved by people across Asia. Originating from the Japanese manga Boys over flowers or Hana Yori Dango in Japanese by Yoko Kamio, the series began more than two decades ago and has seen several adaptations that have captured audiences with compelling storytelling and memorable characters. Let's delve into the different timelines and variations of Meteor Garden, and reflect on the recent loss of Barbie Hsu, the beloved original Shan Cai.

The Beginning: "Meteor Garden" (2001)

The series began in 2001 with the Taiwanese adaptation, this adaptation became a monumental hit not only in Taiwan but across Asia. Starring Barbie Hsu as the resilient and spirited Shan Cai, a strong-willed young woman navigating her way through the elite world of F4 played by Jerry Yan, Vic Zhou, Vanness Wu and Ken Chu. Her chemistry with Jerry Yan, who played the brooding Dao Ming Si, was electric, making the series an instant hit across Asia.

The Japanese Take: "Hana Yori Dango" (2005-2008)

Because of the success of the Taiwanese version, Japan released its own adaptation, Hana Yori Dango aired 2005 bringing the story back to its roots. This series stay closer to the manga’s original storyline. This time, Makino Tsukushi was played by Inoue Mao, and for the F4, it was played by Matsumoto Jun, Oguri Shun, Abe Tsuyoshi, and Matsuda Shota. The Japanese adaptation was praised for its high production quality and strong performances.

South Korea's "Boys Over Flowers" (2009)

In 2009, South Korea introduced Boys Over Flowers, a new taste of adaptation that became a cultural sensation. This series captured the hearts of many and achieved massive popularity through introducing new insights to the fans. This version was notable for its luxurious set designs and a star-studded cast with a new name to the characters, including Ku Hye-sun as Geum Jan-di or Shan Cai and Lee Min-ho as Gu Jun-pyo.

The Return to China: "Meteor Garden" (2018)

The story came full circle with the Chinese adaptation in 2018 of meteor garden, once again captivating viewers with a fresh take. This version aimed to modernize the narrative while maintaining the original's essence helmed by the original Taiwanese producer Angie Chai, Shen Yue portrayed Shan Cai with a fresh vibrancy, while Dylan Wang's portrayal of Dao Ming Si brought a modern twist to the character. This adaptation bought a new element to the series while maintaining the nostalgia of the original series.

The Passing of Barbie Hsu

As the beloved series "Meteor Garden" continues to captivate audiences around the world, fans have recently been met with a somber and heartbreaking note: the passing of Barbie Hsu, the first actress to bring the iconic character Shan Cai to life. Her departure leaves a profound void in the hearts of those who cherished her work and admired her talent. Her portrayal captivates the hearts of many and left a legacy that inspired countless viewers. The news of her death has been met with widespread grief, reminding us of the legacy and the impact she had on the series and its fans.

The passing of Barbie Hsu serves as a reminder of the fragility of life, her portrayal will always hold a special place in the hearts of fans, leaving an everlasting imprint on the series and its legacy. Her spirit will live on through the cherished memories and the inspiration she provided to fans around the world.

The Legacy Continues

Meteor Garden has left an indelible mark on the television industry and popular culture. Each adaptation has brought the uniqueness and added another flavor to the series making the fans loved the series more. As new generations discover Meteor Garden, the series will undoubtedly continue to inspire and entertain, proving that some stories never grow old. The legacy that the meteor garden has and its characters, especially Shan Cai, will undoubtedly continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.