Koo Hye-sun's patented hair roller successfully enters duty-free stores
Actress Koo Hye-sun's patented hair rollers, which she designed herself, have entered duty-free stores. She is expanding her business ventures, proving her expertise as an inventor with a Master's degree in Engineering from KAIST.
Patented 'Unfolding Hair Roller' Enters Duty-Free Shops
The 'Unfolding Hair Roller,' designed and patented by actress Koo Hye-sun, has completed trademark registration and entered duty-free shops. Koo announced the expansion of her business through her social media (SNS) by sharing photos of her trademark registration certificate and scenes of the product being sold at duty-free stores.
The product is an innovative item designed by Koo Hye-sun to improve the inconveniences of existing cylindrical hair rollers. It features a foldable structure instead of a metal frame to enhance portability and utilizes high-performance polymer composite materials with a wave mold structure and silicone laminating. At the time of the product launch, Koo personally appeared in live commerce sessions to communicate with consumers and drive sales.
Eco-friendly Material Selection and Pricing Reasons
Regarding the pricing controversy raised during the initial product launch, Koo Hye-sun provided a direct explanation. She stated, "This is a product that has reduced plastic content by more than 80%, and the cost was set high due to the small initial manufacturing volume." She explained that this was a result of choosing materials that minimize plastic use for environmental considerations and the scale of initial production.
Currently, 'Studio Koo Hye-sun Co., Ltd.,' the venture company founded by Koo, is presenting a lineup of handmade leather pouches in various price ranges in addition to the hair roller. The brand's products are recording practical achievements in the market, surpassing 10,000 cumulative units sold.
Expertise Based on KAIST Master's in Engineering
Koo Hye-sun's business endeavors are closely linked to her academic research achievements. She completed a Master's program in Engineering at the KAIST Graduate School of Science Journalism within the Graduate School of Future Strategy and obtained her degree in February 2026. During her studies, she proved her research capabilities by receiving a special award in the Creative Talent category among the KAIST New Culture Strategy 'QAIST' top performers.
Since her debut in 2002, Koo Hye-sun has appeared in numerous works such as the dramas 'Boys Over Flowers' and 'The King and I,' and has been active in various fields including film directing, writing, and painting. In the field of directing, she has demonstrated her artistic capabilities through films such as 'Dowder,' and recently, she is expanding her professional career as an inventor and CEO.
