Interview
Celebrating a Decade of Growth: Haesung DS Suzhou Marks 10th Anniversary
In 2015, Haesung DS took a bold step toward global expansion by establishing its first overseas corporation in Suzhou, China. Since then, the company has faced numerous challenges in the complex market environment. But with technological excellence and agility, SHDS(SuzhouHaesung DS) quickly gained a foothold, evolving into a key part of Haesung DS’s global network.
Fast forward to 2025 — the Suzhou office is now celebrating its 10th anniversary.
To mark this special milestone, we sat down with Mr. Jikhyun Ko, Deputy General Manager and Head of the Suzhou Corporation, to reflect on the past decade and share the journey fr|om the ground in China.
Mr. Ko and Employees of SHDS are celebrating the 10th anniversary.
Q : Congratulations on the 10th anniversary! Please briefly introduce yourself and the Suzhou corporation.
A : Hello, I’m Jikhyun Ko, head of Haesung DS Suzhou. Aside fr|om myself, all of our staff are locally hired and currently we have 13 team members based in Suzhou and 2 in our Shenzhen office. Our Suzhou office is located in one of the most advanced industrial parks in the city.
Our main role is to serve as the direct sales and communication channel for over 30 local lead frame customers and over 10 BGA clients spread across China. In short, we handle direct client engagement and activities that are difficult to manage fr|om our headquarters in Seoul.
The building to which SHDS office belongs.
Q : What do you think has been the key to Haesung DS’s success in the Chinese market?
A : China is one of the most fiercely competitive markets in the world, and it also requires a deep understanding of its unique culture and business environment. To adapt, we’ve emphasized local operations, consistent client engagement, and proactive response to competitor activities.
Our strategy has always been customer-first. By identifying and responding to their needs, we’ve bridged communication gaps between headquarters and the local market. This front-line approach helped us achieve remarkable growth — doubling our business — during a time when many other Korean companies were downsizing or withdrawing fr|om the Chinese market.
The
entrance of SHDS office.
Q :
Looking back, what’s been the most memorable moment in your time as head of the
Suzhou office?
A : Every day in the field brings new and
unexpected challenges. But if I had to pick one, I’d say the transition that
happened just six months into my assignment — when we terminated our agency
partnership and moved toward independent operation.
Previously, we had relied on a local agency
for market research and customer interaction. But right as I arrived, that
contract ended. I had to lead the communication with customer, hire new staffs,
and open the Shenzhen office. I spent the entire year to stabilize the
operations.
At the time, it was overwhelming and exhausted. But watching the
corporation grow stronger with time, I came to believe that nothing is
impossible with persistence.
The
SHDS office.
Q : Working alone overseas must have had difficult moments. How did you stay motivated?
A : It’s true — as the sole Korean employee here, I often face cultural and environmental challenges. To strengthen our team, we host at least one group recreational activity per month. In fact, we held a special celebration last May to commemorate our 10-year anniversary with all our staff.
Personally, I relieve stress through exercise, and I’ve also found joy in connecting with other Korean expats and their families through local networks.
But more than anything, I owe my resilience to the unwavering support of my family, who have always believed in me.
Mr. Ko and Employees of
SHDS are celebrating the 10th anniversary.
Q : What is your vision for the next 10 years of the Suzhou corporation?
A : Building on our independence in 2023 and the expansion of our Shenzhen office in 2024, we plan to explore further inland by establishing new bases in cities like Xi’an in 2025. We’re also looking to add dedicated engineers to our team to directly address technical issues, streamline processes, and enhance our service capabilities.
Looking even further, setting up a local manufacturing site in China may become essential for long-term survival and growth.
Currently, China accounts for about 35% of Haesung DS’s total revenue — I believe we can raise the ratio to over 50%. It won’t be easy, but with consistent effort and strategic execution, it’s a target within reach.
Ceremonial cake for SHDS
10th anniversary.
The trust and achievements built over the past 10 years are a true source of pride for Haesung DS Suzhou. We thank all our employees who have walked this journey with us.
As we move forward, we remain committed to driving Haesung DS’s global growth — together.
Thank you.
2025.06.11
