Koo Hye-sun follows hair rollers with leather pen cases – and the price tag stands out

According to The Financial News, actress Koo Hye-sun, who previously took part in developing a hair roller, is now drawing attention with a new line of handmade leather pen cases.
On the 10th, Koo Hye-sun wrote on her social media, "When we make films, we still shout 'ROLL, ACTION.' The 'pen' I use to write scripts and draw storyboards is, for me, 'something' that sets things in motion," posting several photos along with the message.
The photos show Koo Hye-sun wearing a lab outfit with the KAIST logo, as well as images of leather pen cases that appear to have been made by her.
The link she shared leads to a sales page for leather pen cases that Koo Hye-sun is said to have crafted herself.
The newly unveiled handmade leather pen cases come in nine different versions, with prices ranging from 58,000 won to 180,000 won.
The product description introduces them as "handcrafted pen cases by artist Koo Hye-sun" and notes that they are limited-edition items that are shipped together with a pen.
Previously, Koo Hye-sun revealed the "Curoll" (KOO Roll) hair roller, which she personally researched, developed, and patented.
She founded a venture company named after herself, Studio Koo Hye-Sun Co., Ltd., and completed the product in collaboration with researchers at KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology).
On the official sales page, the product is priced at 13,000 won for one piece and 25,000 won for a set of two.
However, once the product was released, online users criticized the price, saying it was "too expensive."
Amid the controversy, Koo Hye-sun explained on social media, "Because the initial production volume is small, the unit cost is high, and for this reason the current price is on the higher side. Over time, however, we plan to offer discounts and other promotions so that consumers do not feel burdened when purchasing."
She went on to say, "Unlike conventional round hair rollers, Curoll hair roller is a product that eliminates more than 80% of plastic," adding, "While round rollers tend to tangle with hair and become dirty, Curoll can be unfolded so hair can be easily removed, and it restores its shape on its own." She also noted, "It is highly durable and designed for long-term use."
Meanwhile, in February 2024, Koo Hye-sun graduated at the top of her class from the Department of Film, Television and Multimedia, Sungkyunkwan University, and in June of the same year she was admitted to the KAIST Graduate School of Science Journalism master's program for the fall semester. While enrolled, she developed and launched the Curoll hair roller (KOO Roll) and went on to graduate early this January.
newssu@fnnews.com Kim Soo-yeon Reporter