Hana Yori Dango (Boys Over Flowers) is a popular Japanese manga series by author Kamio Yoko. Set in an elite private school, the story follows Tsukushi Makino, a poor girl who wins a lottery and enrolls at the prestigious academy. There, she encounters the F4, a group of wealthy and detached young men. Fate brings her together with Tsukasa Doumyouji, the leader of the F4, who falls deeply in love with her. Their story became one of the most iconic romances of the 2000s.
Published from 1992 to 2004, the series sold over 61 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling manga series of all time. Its captivating storyline led to several adaptations into live-action films.
Among these, the Taiwanese drama Boys Over Flowers, the Korean adaptation Boys Over Flowers, and the Chinese version Meteor Garden are particularly famous. Three actresses—Tzu Hsi Wen, Trịnh Sảng, and Goo Hye Sun—played the lead role of the Grass Maiden, earning widespread admiration from audiences. Each actress saw significant career changes due to the film’s success, but their personal lives took unexpected turns.
Tzu Hsi Wen
Tzu Hsi Wen captivated audiences with her innocent and pure beauty, solidifying her as one of Taiwan’s top beauties. Her petite frame and delicate appearance made her a favorite for roles of girls with tragic yet resilient fates.
Tzu Hsi Wen is remembered as the charming and successful Grass Maiden on screen (Photo: Sina).
In 2001, Boys Over Flowers became a massive hit, launching Tzu Hsi Wen’s successful acting career. The drama swept across Asia, leaving a lasting impression on generations of viewers. Her portrayal of Sam Thai, a poor girl who falls in love with a rich young man, earned her her first major acting nomination and propelled her to stardom in Taiwanese idol dramas.
Sam Thai’s character was likened to wild grass, enduring hardships yet thriving. Facing bullying and adversity, she never backed down and eventually won the heart of Do Min Joo (played by Ngong Shue Hug).
Despite later adaptations, Tzu Hsi Wen’s Grass Maiden remains a beloved and highly regarded performance.
Tzu Hsi Wen passed away in Japan at the age of 49 (Photo: Sina).
Her role in Boys Over Flowers launched the careers of many cast members, especially hers. She went on to star in numerous other popular dramas such as Summer Bubble, War God…
In the 1990s and early 2000s, Tzu Hsi Wen was known alongside Yang Ching Lin, Lin Yi Shen, and Chen Qiao En as the “idol drama queens” of Taiwan.
After marrying businessman Wang Xiaopi in 2011, Tzu Hsi Wen retired from acting to focus on her family. She had two marriages and two children. On February 2nd, she tragically passed away during a family trip to Japan, leaving fans and friends in mourning.
Goo Hye Sun
Sixteen years ago, Goo Hye Sun rose to fame in South Korea alongside stars like Song Hye Kyo and Kim Tae Hee, thanks to her role in the Korean adaptation of Boys Over Flowers.
In 2009, the drama Boys Over Flowers premiered and created a sensation across Asia. For many years, no role could surpass the impact of Geum Jan Di, Goo Hye Sun’s character, which perfectly suited her as an 80s generation actress.
Goo Hye Sun in the Korean version of Boys Over Flowers (Photo: KBS).
In 2022, Goo Hye Sun confidently stated that she still benefits financially from Boys Over Flowers. She mentioned, “After the success of the show, I was able to do anything I wanted for a long time, but now it’s time to find a new project.”
Sources report that Goo Hye Sun earns approximately 17.3 million won per episode (around $334,000), a substantial amount.
The 40-year-old actress is considered a precious gem in the South Korean entertainment industry, known for her versatility. Besides acting, she has directed, produced films, written novels, composed music, and painted.
In every field, Goo Hye Sun leaves her mark. As an 80s generation star, she is also recognized for her natural and timeless beauty.
In a 2024 interview, Goo Hye Sun shared her thoughts on her multifaceted career: “I think you need to know everything to specialize in something. Just like when opening a coffee shop, you need to know about both coffee and interior design. I believe I must understand many things to excel in one.”
Goo Hye Sun credits her financial stability to Boys Over Flowers (Photo: Instagram).
Following the immense success of Boys Over Flowers, Goo Hye Sun received numerous endorsement offers. In 2010, she earned nearly 350 million won ($7 billion) from a single advertising contract. She also ventured into singing and hosted several music programs.
Goo Hye Sun directed short films, served as an MC for award ceremonies, and appeared in multiple music videos by renowned artists. Her novel Tango, released after Boys Over Flowers, achieved notable sales figures.
However, her life took a dramatic turn following her high-profile divorce from actor Ahn Jae Hyun in 2019.
She shifted away from acting, focusing on directing, hosting TV shows, and completing her university education. Last year, she proudly announced her graduation with honors.
Goo Hye Sun is now single and dedicated to her career and studies (Photo: Naver).
Reflecting on her divorce, Goo Hye Sun said, “I have worked hard to regain balance and hope for public support. Many people think divorce might make me unhappy, but I see it differently. If marriage is a series of illusions filled with hope, then divorce brings one back to reality. I want to perfect my life, and I have the courage to pursue it.”
Goo Hye Sun is content with her current choices and single life.
Trịnh Sảng
In February 2009, Trịnh Sảng played the lead role in the Chinese drama Meteor Garden. The show topped the ratings in China and sparked a wave of popularity in neighboring countries.
In February 2010, she reprised her role in Meteor Garden 2 and again set viewership records. Her performance earned her a nomination for Best Actress at the 25th Kim Kê Awards, making her the youngest nominee in that category.
Trịnh Sảng’s innocent beauty in Meteor Garden (Photo: Sina).
Meteor Garden‘s success opened numerous opportunities for Trịnh Sảng. She starred in hits like Painted Wall, Love at First Sight, Sword Dynasty… and quickly rose to become one of China’s leading stars with a large fan base.
For many years, Trịnh Sảng was hailed as the “teenage goddess” of the Chinese entertainment industry. She was the youngest nominee for Best Actress at the 25th Kim Kê Awards.
In 2017, she was included in Forbes China’s list of the most influential Asian faces under 30.
However, in early 2021, Trịnh Sảng faced a scandal involving tax evasion and accusations of abandoning her newborn twins. She was banned from the entertainment industry in China indefinitely.
Trịnh Sảng was blacklisted from the Chinese entertainment industry after the tax evasion scandal and child abandonment allegations in 2021 (Photo: QQ).
Apart from paying a fine of $46 million for tax evasion, Trịnh Sảng faced compensation demands from various film studios and brands. She moved to the United States in 2021 and has not returned to China.
Her ex-boyfriend, Zhang Heng, revealed that she tried every means to stay in the U.S., fearing debts and compensation claims if she returned to China.
In 2024, Trịnh Sảng admitted on social media: “I am penniless and burdened with debt after the scandal. I am currently unemployed and living off my parents’ pension. The rumors of me having assets worth 230 million NDT (over $800 million) are false. If I had such wealth, I wouldn’t be struggling to win custody of my children against Zhang Heng. Every month, I submit financial reports to the court in hopes of changing the custody ruling.”
Trịnh Sảng now lives in the U.S. and has abandoned plans to return to the entertainment industry (Photo: Sina).
Over the past four years, Trịnh Sảng has fought for custody of her children against her ex-boyfriend, Zhang Heng. According to a U.S. court ruling, Zhang Heng has primary custody, while Trịnh Sjang has visitation rights.
Early in 2023, Zhang Heng filed a lawsuit against Trịnh Sjang, alleging abuse of their two children. Trịnh Sjang denied the allegations, insisting she is a loving and protective mother.
Trịnh Sjang’s downfall has left many fans deeply disappointed.
