AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

Kim Hee-su
Kim Hee-su김희수
ReporterMinistry of Foreign Affairs, Seoul City Hall & Defense, Foreign Affairs
Kim Hee-su is a bilingual reporter at AJU Press, covering defense and foreign affairs. Before joining AJP in 2025, she worked at The Korea Times, where she wrote interview stories, including a profile of North Korean defector Kim Gum-hyok, and produced digital content. She also previously worked as a researcher for KBS News 9’s International News Department, supporting correspondents in 10 countries around the world. She graduated from the University of Toronto in Canada with a double major in Book and Media Studies and East Asian Studies. "I'm driven by storytelling."
Latest by Kim Hee-su
  • Koreas young pharma breed Samsung Biologics and Celltrion bulk up as bottom line holds
    Korea's young pharma breed Samsung Biologics and Celltrion bulk up as bottom line holds SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - Korea's relatively young pharma heavyweights Samsung Biologics and Celltrion are outgrowing their older peers at home and abroad through aggressive and unconventional expansion. Samsung Biologics, founded in 2011, has scaled up relentlessly and now ranks No. 3 in the global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) market. Within its second Bio Campus in Songdo, Incheon, the Samsung Group unit plans to complete Plants 6 to 8 by 2032, raising total capacity to 1.324 million liters — the largest for any single company worldwide. The massive scale is expected to give Samsung Biologics a structural edge in securing long-term production contracts with multinational drugmakers and position it as an industry power rivaling Samsung’s influence in semiconductors. Celltrion, established in 2002 as a pure drug maker, is expanding through M&A. It recently joined the small group of Korean pharma companies with production bases in the United States, which accounts for roughly half of prescription-drug sales revenue among OECD countries. Last month, Celltrion signed a deal to acquire Eli Lilly's biopharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Branchburg, New Jersey, for about 460 billion won. With planned expansion, total investment is expected to reach 1.4 trillion won — a move designed to reduce tariff risks, cut logistics costs, and strengthen supply-chain stability for North American demand. Their bold expansion rests on a solid bottom line and deep pipelines. Samsung Biologics on Tuesday reported consolidated revenue of 1.66 trillion won ($1.2 billion) and operating profit of 728.8 billion won for the third quarter, up 39.9 percent and 115.3 percent on year, respectively. Celltrion posted consolidated revenue of 1.26 trillion won and operating profit of 301 billion won, marking year-on-year gains of 16.3 percent and 44.9 percent. Samsung Biologics has climbed to the No. 3 global CMO position behind Switzerland's Lonza and China's WuXi Biologics, according to MarketsandMarkets. The CMO market is projected to grow 8.8 percent annually, reaching $34.1 billion by 2030 from $20.5 billion in 2024. 2025-10-29 17:59:41
  • Korea–Japan drama pairings strike universal chord in streaming era
    Korea–Japan drama pairings strike universal chord in streaming era SEOUL, October 28 (AJP) - New Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed her liking for Korean food, beauty products, and dramas to brush aside concerns that her hawkish and nationalist posture might sour bilateral ties. Her comment reflects a broader trend in Japan, where audiences increasingly separate politics from cultural consumption as Korean pop culture gains deeper traction through social media and global streaming platforms. Not only have the two neighbors — long distanced by historical grievances — grown more receptive to each other's culture, they are now actively blending talent and IP to create stories that resonate not just with Korean and Japanese viewers but with global audiences. The latest standout collaboration is "Romantic Anonymous," starring Japan's Oguri Shun and Korea's Han Hyo-joo, which ranked No. 6 globally in Netflix's non-English TV category and No. 1 in Japan just a week after release, according to Netflix ranking site Tudum on Tuesday. The series — directed by Japanese filmmaker Sho Tsukikawa, known for "I Want to Eat Your Pancreas," and written by Korean screenwriter Kim Ji-hyun — follows a mysophobic man and a socially anxious genius chocolatier. It was produced by Korea's Yong Film, known for "The Handmaiden," under the supervision of Netflix Japan. Japan has become increasingly eager to recruit Korean talent and storytelling know-how after Korean works like "Parasite" and "Squid Game" demonstrated global impact, creative originality, and strong commercial returns. A generational shift is also powering the trend, with younger viewers in both countries far less constrained by historical sensitivities in admiring each other's culture. One of the clearest examples is Coupang Play's "What Comes After Love," released last September and based on a joint novel by Korea's Gong Ji-young and Japan's Hitonari Tsuji. The series was praised for opening a new chapter in Korean romance storytelling. It held the No. 1 spot on Coupang Play for weeks, with viewership jumping 783 percent in its final week compared with its debut. After launching on Amazon Prime Japan, it immediately took No. 1 in the drama category (No. 3 overall), and within two weeks rose to the top position in 103 countries. Disney+ also contributed early to the cross-border wave with "Connect" (2022), a Korea–Japan collaboration starring Jung Hae-in, produced by Studio Dragon and directed by Japanese filmmaker Takashi Miike. The success of such projects marks a shift from simple casting or IP exchanges to full-scale joint productions involving writers, directors, studios, and creative staff from both countries. "Korea and Japan share emotional narratives that both cultures easily relate to," said one OTT insider. "When the two countries merge their creative strengths — from acting talent to production expertise — the result can appeal far beyond Asia." Another industry official noted the strategic value of the partnership: "Japan offers long-lived IPs and strong domestic loyalty, while Korea has proven global appeal. Together, they can capture both local and international audiences." Streaming platforms show no intention of slowing the momentum. Netflix is developing "Soulmate," starring 2PM's Taecyeon and Japanese actor Hayato Isomura. Another highly anticipated project, "Road," based on the Japanese manga Ao no Michi, began production last month as a full Korea–Japan co-production, starring Son Suk-ku and Eita Nagayama as detectives investigating parallel murders in Seoul and Tokyo. As streaming giants widen their global slates, Korea–Japan creative pairings are emerging as one of the most effective formulas for delivering emotionally rich stories with universal appeal. 2025-10-28 17:04:37
  • APEC Week: from RM to hanbok, K-culture competes for global spotlight
    APEC Week: from RM to hanbok, K-culture competes for global spotlight SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - Iconic K-pop star G-Dragon has set the tone for this week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju with a playful 75-second promotional video featuring President Lee Jae Myung as a runway marshaller guiding arriving aircraft. Another K-pop figurehead, BTS leader RM, will carry the cultural baton, delivering a keynote speech at the APEC CEO Summit before executives from 21 member economies, including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. K-pop's prominent presence underscores how deeply it has become embedded in Korea's modern identity — now taking center stage on a platform once reserved for politics and trade. Alongside it, other arms of Korean soft power — food, beauty, and arts — are orchestrating a full-scale showcase for visiting global dignitaries. K-Food: from dinner table to global branding A royal feast with a contemporary twist, inspired by the Netflix hit "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty," will be curated by Korean-American chef Edward Lee, famed for his Netflix show "Culinary Class Wars," in partnership with chefs from Lotte Hotel. Beyond the banquet hall, food brands are vying for exposure. CJ CheilJedang will offer Bibigo cup rice, tteokbokki, and seaweed snacks at the APEC media center and delegate lodgings, while Nongshim is supplying 10,000 servings of Shin Ramyun in collaboration with Netflix's animated feature "KPop Demon Hunters," complete with on-site tasting booths. Lotte GRS will serve Angel-in-us Coffee and Krispy Kreme doughnuts in the outdoor K-Food Zone, joined by Lotte Wellfood and Lotte Chilsung with Pepero, Chilsung Cider, and Icis water. OB Beer, exclusive sponsor of the CEO Summit, will pour Cass Fresh, Cass Zero, and Cass Lemon Squeeze from a rooftop booth at the Gyeongju Arts Center. Other local favorites include Whoo Ullim Water by LG H&H, Kyochon fried chicken, hy's Helicobacter Project Will probiotic drink, and Paris Baguette desserts like gotgam pound cake and seoritae castella. Food trucks from Kyochon Chicken, Cheongnyeon Dabang, and Okdongsik will circle the main venues to serve delegates a taste of Korea on the go. K-Beauty: tradition meets technology K-Beauty — a byword for innovation and refinement — will take over a hall at Hwangnyongwon, where LG Household & Health Care will exhibit its royal skincare line The History of Whoo Hwanyu, complemented by a live lacquerware demonstration by artisan Son Dae-hyun. Amorepacific will stage makeup shows and interactive experiences, while APR Corp. provides its Booster Pro device to international delegates. Makeup artist brand Jung Saem Mool introduces AI-powered iris color analysis for personalized beauty, and Gumi University hosts hands-on sessions under its K-Aesthetic program. Olive Young joins in with APEC-themed promotions at its Gyeongju stores, offering discounts and complimentary cleansers. Guests at Lahan Select Gyeongju will receive exclusive sample kits. Local fashion label Matin Kim, chosen as an official APEC partner, will distribute custom wallets and tote bags. The Korea Tourism Organization has also connected its Visit Korea platform to APEC's official site and opened a K-Goods Pop-Up at Gyeongju Station featuring souvenirs such as wine stoppers and "K-gat" ornaments — modern tributes to the traditional Korean hat made famous again through "KPop Demon Hunters." K-Arts: heritage in the global spotlight As night falls, Gyeongju — famed for its ethereal lighting — transforms into a living museum. The Hanbok Fashion Show will light up Woljeong Bridge under the theme "Mystery of a Thousand Years, Fly to Tomorrow." The show will weave together Korea's five heritage pillars — Hanbok, Hansik, Hanok, Hanji, and Hangeul — with AI-enhanced designs and Shilla-inspired royal costumes to show how tradition evolves into innovation. At the National Museum of Gyeongju, the exhibition "Silla Gold Crowns: Power and Prestige" brings together all six royal crowns of Silla for the first time, alongside gold belts and ornaments that reveal the era's artistry and hierarchy. Meanwhile, at Gyeongju Expo Park, the National Jeongdong Theater Troupe will stage "Pure Heart," a digital reinterpretation of the folktale Simcheongjeon, blending classic storytelling with cutting-edge media to celebrate devotion and modern creativity alike. 2025-10-27 16:45:45