On February 13, Teresa Teng’s mother posted on her personal social media: “I can’t believe justice can’t prevail. I’m heading to the battlefield, please cheer me on.” Her statement sparked widespread discussion online as the issue of dividing the late actress’s inheritance has become a hot topic.
According to Sina, Teresa Teng left behind an estate worth approximately $30 million, including properties such as land near the Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts valued at around 44.38 million CNY (approximately $6.2 million USD) and a penthouse worth about 80 million CNY (approximately $11.2 million USD).
Teresa Teng’s assets could be divided according to her will or legal regulations if no will exists. In the absence of a will, her estate would be split into three parts: one for her current husband, South Korean singer Koo Jun Yup, and two for her children.
Koo Jun Yup, Teresa’s husband, announced he is renouncing his inheritance rights and wishes to transfer the assets to her mother. According to lawyers, if Koo Jun Yup relinquishes his inheritance, the two children would equally divide his share, and the mother would not receive anything.
If Koo wants to transfer the assets to his mother-in-law, he must first accept the inheritance and then transfer it as a gift. This process, however, would incur a significant tax burden.
Under legal regulations, Teresa Teng’s mother is also considered one of the inheritors, ranked after Koo Jun Yup and the two grandchildren.
A lawyer shared with Ettoday: “If Teresa Teng’s mother wants to fight for the rights of her two grandchildren, she must file a lawsuit requesting the suspension of Wang Xiaofei’s guardianship until the children reach adulthood.”
Ms. Huang Chunmei (Teresa Teng’s mother) is exercising her legal rights while considering the best options for her grandchildren. She also has the right to request the court restore her guardianship over the two children. If this happens, the legal battle between both sides may continue.
Legal experts predict that the division of the late star’s assets will remain complicated and contentious in the coming months.
Teresa Teng’s mother is receiving support from her daughter, Ruby Lin (Teresa’s younger sister). The TV host is actively backing her mother and brother-in-law in the inheritance dispute. She has even consulted her husband’s family, who have a strong legal background, regarding the legal procedures.
Ruby Lin’s mother-in-law is a well-known lawyer in Taiwan, and her sister-in-law holds a law doctorate from the U.S.
Additionally, the family will serve as the legal representative for Teresa Teng in the ongoing post-divorce alimony case against her ex-husband, Wang Xiaofei.
By gaining custody of the two children, Wang Xiaofei appears to have an advantage in the battle for Teresa Teng’s estate. According to Taiwanese media, the Teng family has agreed to let Wang Xiaofei take custody of the two children.
In the future, the children will live in Beijing with their father and stepmother. With custody, Wang Xiaofei could manage their inheritance until they turn 18.
Recently, a source told 163 that businessman Wang Xiaofei is experiencing emotional and financial instability following Teresa Teng’s sudden passing on February 2.
Shortly after being banned from Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok), Wang Xiaofei was accused of owing more than 4.5 billion TWD (nearly $145 million USD) and is reportedly being ostracized by the business community.
As of now, Wang Xiaofei has not responded to these claims.
Teresa Teng (born 1976) was an actress and singer known for TV dramas like Meteor Garden, Mars, and Summer’s Desire. Since 2012, she had stepped away from acting and maintained a private life.
After divorcing businessman Wang Xiaofei at the end of 2021, she did not return to the spotlight, focusing instead on raising her children. In 2022, she remarried Koo Jun Yup.
On February 3, her family announced that Teresa Teng passed away in Japan during the Lunar New Year holiday. The news shocked fans and friends alike.
On February 3, Teresa Teng’s body was cremated, and her ashes were brought back to Taiwan on February 5. Her family held a memorial ceremony to inter her remains.
