Sister-in-law Koo Joon-yup fills home with late wife's portraits, visits grave daily

Xu Xi-di, the sister-in-law of Taiwanese celebrity and Clon member Koo Joon-yup, made her first public appearance in eight months at an awards ceremony, sharing tearful remarks upon receiving her prize.

According to Taiwan's ET Today on the 18th, Xu accepted the Variety Program Host Award at the 60th Golden Bell Awards the previous day. The host explained, "Xu's win was a unanimous decision by the judges, an overwhelming choice."

Xu cried as she received the award, and the audience also wept, media reported. After winning, she said, "My mother sent a voice message saying, 'You filled the hole in my heart.'"

She also spoke about her sister, who passed away last February. Pointing to a necklace around her neck, Xu said, "Part of my sister is in here. When I miss her, she's always with me. It feels like I'm hugging her when I want to see her."

Xu also mentioned receiving congratulations from Koo Joon-yup. "My brother-in-law has always supported my sister and me. Tomorrow, the family will gather for a celebratory dinner. I truly love him," she said. She added that Koo still misses Xu Xi-yuan, sharing, "Every day, he goes to Jinhaoshan, where my sister is buried, not just to eat but also to paint her portrait. The entire house is filled with her paintings. He might hold an exhibition someday."

In Chinese-speaking regions, many were surprised by Xu's resemblance to her late sister after her eight-month absence. Though Xu appeared slightly fuller in face and figure than before, this very change reminded many of her sister.

Regarding her return to broadcasting, Xu remained vague. "I will come back someday, but I don't know when," she said. "At least I want to think about it after New Year's Day." She continued, "We used to have dinner at my sister's house every year, stay up until midnight, and watch fireworks. I don't know how to celebrate the new year without her this time."

Xu Xi-yuan died in February at age 48 from pneumonia complications after contracting the flu during a trip to Japan. Koo Joon-yup, who married her in 2022, has reportedly visited her memorial altar daily since her passing.

Xu Xi-di Honors Late Sister at Golden Bell Awards