Established in 1997, Choi & Kim pioneered maritime law in South Korea, specialising in maritime, insurance and disputes. Having set the standard, the firm has built a reputation as a leader in the sector with clients including international oil pollution compensation funds, protection and indemnity clubs and shipping companies. Choi & Kim's client base extends internationally, advising and representing companies like Maersk and CMA CGM on legal issues through litigation and arbitration. Given the number of maritime incidents under Seoul and Busan jurisdictions, the firm operates in both cities. Based in Seoul for 25 years, the firm expanded to Busan in 2023 to offer more efficient, affordable services for Busan cases. Key partners of the firm include JH Choi and CJ Kim.
Work highlights
Acted for ship owners in a litigation case seeking to lift a wreck removal order against the port authority. This case marks the first ruling where the court invalidated a wreck removal order issued by the port authorities for a sunken vessel.
Acted for a licensor of liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier membranes in a litigation case filed by a shipyard seeking repair costs against the licensor and the designer. This case holds considerable interest within the shipping industry as it concerns potential design defects in the membrane technology of the South Korean-developed LNG carrier, part of a national project. The dispute involves a substantial claim and has garnered attention within the sector.
Acted for a container yard in a litigation case brought by a bill of lading holder seeking compensation for mis-delivery against a container yard. Container deliveries at South Korean container terminals are conducted following electronic delivery orders issued by shipping companies via an electronic trading system. This case represents the first time the legitimacy of procedures established through the electronic trading system has been disputed, with consideration given to precedents set when paper documents were utilised.
