South Korea

Shin & Kim has served multinational corporations, including Samsung Electronics and British Airways. Led by Young Chul Yim, the competition team is in demand with Korean companies and multinational corporations. The firm represented Qualcomm in an appeal defending the company’s business practices. The case this is one of the few cases on conditional price discounts in Korea.

Yoon & Yang has an impressive roster of clients including Cathay Pacific Airways, Intel and British America Tobacco. Hoil Yoon leads the team and represented Microsoft in a $7.9 billion merger clearance before the KFTC for its acquisition of Nokia’s mobile device and service business.

“Yulchon has a great level of knowledge, experience, and network to deliver the best result,” says a client. Cecil Saehoon Chung acted for Dell in obtaining unconditional antitrust merger clearance for its $67 billion acquisition of US data storage company EMC, one of the largest technology M&A deals in the world in 2016. Chung advised Littelfuse on securing an unconditional merger clearance from the KFTC.

“Bae Kim & Lee’s professional opinions and attention were provided to us at all times. They can convey their opinion and analysis of the case to us in a clear and concise way,” says one client. Kyu Hong Yuh and Gun Chul Do advised Hanwha Engineering & Construction on its development of Bismayah New City in Iraq.

“As an advocate instructed by the firm I have been very impressed by the knowledge, judgment and expertise of Kim & Chang,” says a client. Ann Seung Eun Lee and Hyo Sang Kim advised a Spanish real estate company on its W397 billion acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding equity interests in a 22-story mixed-use commercial building known as M-Plaza. It is the client’s first investment in the Asian real estate market. Keun Ah Cho advised Simone Investment Managers on its €124 million ($138 million) acquisition of a majority interest in a commercial property in Frankfurt.

Lee & Ko has one of Korea’s largest construction and real estate teams. “Their highly experienced professionals deliver the desired results while exceeding expectations,” says a client. Dong Eun Kim represented Meritz Securities in the W390 billion refinancing for the East South Logistics Complex project.

Shin & Kim has one of the largest real estate practices in Korea and is regularly involved in landmark deals. Helen Pak, Yong Ho Han and Eunjoo Lee advised IGIS Asset Management on its W690 billion purchase of a building complex in Vienna. The team also advised Korea Asset In Trust on its W755 billion project comprised of about 2,650 houses within one public rental housing area and two enterprise rental housing areas.

“Real estate lawyers at Yulchon are highly knowledgeable, solution oriented, and overall good to work with as a team,” says a client. Tae Jin Cha advised Mohegan Gaming Advisors on a $5.3 billion integrated resort project, including a casino, in Incheon.

Bae Kim & Lee is recognised for its capability in handling significant deals in Korea. Joonki Yi, Han Kang and Mok Hong Kim advised Visteon on the $3.6 billion sale of Halla Visteon Climate Control to Hankook Tire. The firm also advised Samsung on the sale of its 57.62% stake in its chemical subsidiary Samsung General Chemicals and its 32.35% stake in its defence subsidiary Samsung Techwino to the Hanwha Group for $1.7 billion.

Barun Law is well-known for being a consistent performer for M&A advice. Jae Seong Choi and Thomas Pinansky lead the firm’s M&A team, which is regularly involved in multibillion-dollar cases. Pinansky and Joo Hyoung Jang are advising one of the world’s largest publicly traded property and casualty insurers on compliance issues with the acquisition of a Korean subsidiary.

Kim & Chang has one of the largest and most experienced M&A practices in Korea. “It is standing high over other Korean law firms. No other firms now are comparable with the firm,” says one client. Jong Koo Park, Chang Hyeon Ko, Shin Kwon Lim, Joon Kim and Yun Bak Chung represented Samsung C&T in its $11 billion merger with Cheil Industries. Myung also advised MBK Partners on its multibillion-dollar acquisition of Doosan Infracore’s machine tooling business.

Lee & Ko has one of the strongest M&A teams in Korea and has a well-established reputation in the market. “It gives timely and diligent responses, thorough analysis, creative solutions, practical advice, strong team in all areas we needed advice from. Invoicing has reflected the expectations they set for the various projects,” says a client. Hyeong Gun Lee represented Cheil Industries in its multibillion-dollar merger with Samsung C&T.

Shin & Kim is particularly strong in advising on cross-border M&A. Jae Woo Im and Chang Hyun Song led the team’s representation of MBK consortium in the $6.4 billion acquisition of Homeplus. The practice is also representing SK Telecom in the acquisition of CJ Hellovision.

Yulchon specialises in advising distressed companies on hostile takeovers and defensive measures. Jae Hyun Park, Gun Kim and Beom Sang Lim acted for Mirae Asset Securities in its purchase of 43% of the shares in Daewoo Securities for $2 billion.

“Bae Kim & Lee is able to navigate a difficult situation quickly and competently,” says one client. Kap You Kim and John Bang head the arbitration practice and are representing the Korean government in a $4.4 billion case under the investment treaty between Korea and Belgium brought by Lone Star Funds, the first case of its kind in Korea.

Barun Law is widely recognised for its role in many Supreme Court cases. Jason Ha is representing Korean parties in a $7.3 billion litigation against Volkswagen in the US over its emissions scandal. Seung Hyeon Park is advising a multinational sportswear corporation on a dispute with the Korean Customs Service relating to the imposition of customs duties on imported products.

“Kim & Chang is very responsive with high quality work products. In disputes practice, it has accomplished the too good to be true result,” says one client. The dispute resolution team has been widely recognised as a top competitor for years. Soo Hyung Kim, Sang Jin Kang and Dong Seok Kim defended Yuanta Securities in numerous civil cases including a W1.3 trillion class action. In another case, Byung-Chol Yoon, Liz Kyo-Hwa Chung, Chul-Won Lee and Sup Joon Byun are advising the government on the second International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) case filed against South Korea.

Lee & Ko is a dominant actor in the dispute resolution practice area and is involved in many highly controversial cases in Korea. Practice heads Sean Sungwoo Lim and Won Seok Ko represented a German car manufacturer in a product liability class action lawsuit. The dispute resolution team also successfully represented Samsung Electronics in a tax dispute.

Shin & Kim specialises in disputes with governmental bodies including the National Tax Service, the Korea Customs Service and the Korea Fair Trade Commission. Ghyo Sun Park, Gea Sung Yang, Bo Kyung Lim, Hui Young Cho and Jaeseop Song successfully represented KT&G, a leading tobacco company in Korea, in a product and tort liability lawsuit.

Yoon & Yang is particularly strong in advising on domestic litigation. Byeong Cheol Yun, Hee Chang Lee, Kuei Yuel Shin and Ki Nyen Park are representing Posco ICT in a $3.5 million Korean Commercial Arbitration Board (KCAB) arbitration. Yun represented Choi Sang-Hwan, deputy commissioner of the Korea Coast Guard, who was indicted on charges of providing favour to Undine Marine Industries during the Sewol ferry rescue operation.

Yulchon’s dispute resolution and litigation practice is armed with a team of former judges and has extensive experience in cross-border disputes. In a significant case involving the cancellation of one of the largest real estate development projects in Korea, Hai Sung Park and the team advised Korail on a $465 billion dispute about the Yong San business district development.

Bae Kim & Lee regularly advises many leading companies in the energy industry in Korea. Chinpyo Park and Seung Kyo Lee advised America Kowepo, a US subsidiary of Korea Western Power, on its $8.5 million sale of the assets of the Townsite solar project in Nevada. Park is also advising the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on an amendment to the Overseas Resources Development Business Act.

Kim & Chang has seen an increased volume of energy projects over the last year. Geon Ho Kim and Hee Jeong Kim advised Woori Bank on the A$685 million ($520 million) Millmerran power project by reviewing the due diligence report and financing documents. Bo Yong Ahn and Chang Heon Kwak advised the National Pension Service on its $680 million investment in an oil storage terminal in Singapore. Jay Ahn and Kwak acted for Saudi Arabia Basic Industries Corporation in its $640 million joint venture with SK Global Chemical.

Led by Hun Ko and Tom Shin, the energy and natural resources team at Lee & Ko maintains its strong standing. The practice represented Shinhan Bank and Shinhan BNP Paribas Asset Management in a ¥16.8 billion ($166 million) 54-megawatt solar power plant project. The firm also represented Kookmin Bank and Samsung Life Insurance in the $1 billion Dongducheon LNG combined cycle power plant project. The firm is involved in one of the first independent island energy projects in Ulleungdo where the island is powered only by renewable energy.

Led by Sang Hyun Lee, the projects and energy practice at Shin & Kim continues to provide a high quality of service in the alternative energy industry, particularly in wind power projects. Lee and Helen Pak are advising Korea Eximbank (KEXIM), K-Sure and Export-Import Bank of the US (EXIM) on a $7.3 billion petrochemical complex project in Egypt.

Tong Soo Chung and Raymond Kang head the energy and infrastructure team at Yulchon. The firm is well-known for its work on greenfield projects. It also has considerable experience in privatisation of power corporations and M&A transactions between independent power producers.

“Bae Kim & Lee has knowledgeable people in the financial sector and strong relationships with Korean regulators,” says one client. The new fintech group ensures the practice’s future growth. Jeong Rai Cho advised the Kakao Bank consortium on winning the bid for Korea’s first internet-only bank.

“Kim & Chang offers very professional knowledge and rational consultation. It provides clear guidance for the case-completion on time,” says a client. The firm often receives praise from clients for its extensive experience and in-depth knowledge. Sang Hwan Lee advised the KT consortium on obtaining preliminary approval for Korea’s first internet-only banks, the Kakao Bank and K Bank.

The financial regulations team at Lee & Ko consists of former senior officials at financial regulatory authorities and former members of the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS), as well as experienced lawyers. Hyung Koo Kang and Seung Soo Han advised Samsung Electronics on its launch of Samsung Pay under the Electronic Financial Transactions Act, Specialized Credit Finance Business Act and other laws in September 2015.

Hee Woong Yoon heads the financial regulation practice team at Yulchon. “It always provides a first-class service,” says one client. Myung Jong Hong successfully represented Korea Telecom in obtaining a newly introduced internet banking business licence. The firm is also advising a foreign bank on its cross-border securities business with Korean investors.

Bae Kim & Lee specialises in advising insurers on corporate transactions, contractual matters and asset management. Led by Jai Young Kim, the team advised SK Hynix on its $900 million insurance claim against Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance. In a widely publicised case about suicide rider policies, Jong Ku Kang is representing several life insurance companies regarding claims.

“Kim & Chang lives up to its reputation as the premier Korean law firm. The depth and scope of its expertise covers a wide range of industries and practice areas,” says a client. Young Man Huh, Hae Kyung Sung, Jay Ahn, Bo Yong Ahn and Won Kyu Choi advised Vogo Investment Group and Anbang Life Insurance Group on the W1.2 trillion acquisition of Tong Yang Life Insurance.

Lee & Ko has a prominent practice in insurance, advising domestic and international insurance and reinsurance companies, as well as protection and indemnity clubs. Jin Hong Kwon advised MetLife on eight variable insurance products. Jeong Kyoo Han and Jin Young Jung are representing Korea Trade Insurance in a $30 million lawsuit about whether a client is obligated to pay the insurance proceeds under the short-term export credit insurance.

Se Ryul Hong and Soo Hyun Lee head the insurance practice at Shin & Kim. The team has a particular focus on refund guarantees issued by domestic insurance companies for foreign buyers. The practice is advising RGA Reinsurance Korea on the proposed amendment to Korea’s insurance business regulations. It is also advising Swiss Re and Hyundai Marine & Fire on whether their insurance policies cover a fire at a bus terminal in Goyang, Korea.

“Bae Kim & Lee provides us with not only high quality of legal counselling but also new angles to solve problems and ideas of industry,” says a client of the firm’s intellectual property (IP) practice. This firm has a well-established name for providing fully-integrated IP legal services. Hoo Dong Lee, Myugkyu Lee and Mun Ki Nam advised Hanwha Q-Cells Japan on a patent infringement case, one of the largest disputes of its kind in the solar cell industry this year. Nam also advised Hanmi Pharmaceutical on the $4.2 billion licensing of its diabetes drugs.

Cho & Partners is well-known for its excellent service in IP for large multinational corporations. Ik Hyun Seo successfully represented Chanel in a lawsuit against a motel using its trade name. Ik and Tae Yeon Cho also successfully defended Burberry against one of the largest underwear makers in Korea using a pattern that copied the famous Burberry check.

Kim & Chang has one of the largest full service IP practice teams in Korea. “It has quick understanding of relevant technologies and products. It builds watertight strategies for litigation and has a well-organised team for litigation to give satisfactory outcome,” says a client. Mee Sung Shim and Duck Soon Chang advised Bristol-Myers Squibb and its Korean affiliate on patent cases related to its hepatitis B drug, a top-selling product in Korea.

Lee & Ko covers a broad spectrum of technical fields and houses a team of former judges of the IP division of the Korean Supreme Court, the Korean Patent Court and the Seoul High Court and Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) examiners. Led by Young Mo Kwon, the IP team excels in the market. Instructed by Posco in a cross-jurisdictional dispute, the practice analysed the trade secrets and patent infringement claims and litigated the matter.

Lee International IP & Law is a well-established pioneering patent law firm and houses a team of professionals, including former officials of the Ministry of Science & Technology, a former president of the Intellectual Property Tribunal, and former commissioners of KIPO. Dong Hwan Kim advised a global franchise owner on trade mark and design infringements.

Yoon & Yang earns a solid reputation by winning many international IP disputes. Wonil Kim and Sejung Lee successfully represented SK Innovation in a patent dispute with Celgard. The firm also won a trade mark dispute for Kumho Petro Chemical.

You Me Patent & Law Firm is highly regarded for its considerable experience in handling a full range of IP matters. Apart from patent, trade marks, licensing and IP litigation, the firm also has a team in the practice focusing on China.

Jeong Yeol Choe heads the IP practice at Yulchon which is highly regarded for its extensive experience on the bench and active involvement in arbitration matters. Choe and Cheol Hwan Kim successfully defended Hanmi Pharmaceutical against claims of trademark infringement. Choe also successfully defended Celltrion against claims of patent infringement and invalidation actions.

With clients including Hanwha, Samsung, Kiwoom, Hyundai, China Asset Management and Bank of New York Mellon, Bae Kim & Lee is the go-to firm for many leading corporations and fund management companies. The firm established overseas offices in Hong Kong, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in the past year. Jong Baek Park advised Samsung on its $170 million acquisition of an intercontinental distribution centre in Germany.

“Kim & Chang is uniquely capable of providing advice on complex legal and regulatory issues, while being mindful of industry context, rather than simply regurgitating generally applicable principles,” says a client. Hae Kyung Sung and Joon Ho Lee advised STIC Investments on forming its W572 billion special situation private equity fund. Lee is also advising Capstone Asset Management on forming a W100 billion fund.

Lee & Ko is a consistent performer in the market and regularly advises the nation’s largest fund managers in real estate, shipping and aviation, with a particular focus on Korean and offshore funds. Geen Kim advised a leading global investor on its acquisition of a US logistics portfolio for $4.55 billion. Dong Seok Woo and Jun Woo Cho advised Capstone Asset Management on its $366 million purchase of AK Plaza in Bundang.

Yulchon is widely recognised for its high quality of service and has an impressive client list including JP Morgan, Mirae, Samsung and Korea Investment Management. Kyu Rim Lee advised Goldman Sachs Asset Management on regulatory issues. Lee and Ben Hur advised a group of fund management companies on the settlement and collection of Lehman claims.

Yang Ho Oh and Sang Jik Lee head the IT, telecommunications and media practice at Bae Kim & Lee. The firm represented Kakao Bank consortium in winning the bid for Korea’s first internet-only banks, Kakao Bank and K Bank. It also represented SK C&C in its $11 billion merger with SK Holdings, one of the largest deals in 2015.

With clients such as Google, eBay, HP, Riot Games, LG Uplus and Alibaba, Kim & Chang   has extensive experience in the IT, telco & media market. “It understands our business and needs and is able to put right attorneys on right matters,” says one client. Young Man Huh and Sung Uk Park represented KKR in the $680 million acquisition of Ticket Monster. Dong Shik Choi and Sang-Hwan Lee represented KT Consortium in obtaining preliminary approval from the Financial Services Commission to establish an internet-only bank in Korea.

Lee & Ko represents players in the IT industry, telecommunications market and broadcasting sector. Samuel Kwon, Kwang Bae Park and Sang Gon Kim advised Korea’s largest mobile network operator on its $455 million acquisition of CJ Hellovision. This is the first M&A deal in Korea between an internet protocol television company and a multiple-system operator. Park also advised Samsung Electronics on its launch of Samsung Pay and the start of other pay services in the fintech market. Park and Heon Myung Jung are representing the Korea Credit Bureau in a data breach case against three Korean credit card companies.

Led by Sung Geun Kim, the telecommunications  team at Shin & Kim is growing to be a strong presence in the market. Sang Hyoek Im has served broadcasting stations and media content companies. Sang advised Korean Broadcasting System, Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation and Seoul Broadcasting System on litigation involving online and mobile platforms. Chris Chang Hyun Song advised Netmarble Games on its acquisition, through an innovative reverse triangular merger structure, of a US mobile gaming company.

Yoon & Yang is widely recognised for its successful role in many high profile TMT cases. Wonil Kim, Kwang Wook Lee and Keun Woo Lee successfully represented three nationwide terrestrial broadcasters in a lawsuit in which cable operators infringed the broadcasters’ copyright and neighbouring right. This was a prominent case which involved broadcasting rights and unfair competition in Korea’s media sector.

“Yulchon has very competent experts in ICT sectors who has always shown great diligence and faithfulness. Especially, they have impressed us with creative solutions whenever we faced very complicated and unprecedented problems,” says one client. Doil Son advised JTBC on its strategic partnership agreement with Fox Sports for the launch of JTBC3 Fox Sports. Son also advised Lotte Card on its new outsourcing data security governance, compliance and IT systems.

Bae Kim & Lee is particular strong in defending corporations in disputes with employees. Wook Rae Lee represented Valeo Electrical Systems Korea when its labour union made significant structural changes. Jeong Han Lee and Young Hoon Park represented Hanwha Chemical in a factory wastewater tank explosion accident. Lee also represented LG Display over an accidental death at a factory in Paju, Korea.

Due to its global reach, Kim & Chang is the go-to firm for labour and employment for many multinational corporations. Weon Jung Kim, Tae Sup Lee, Je Ho Lee successfully represented GM Korea in a W600 billion litigation about ordinary wages. The firm also advised on store franchising, implementation of a performance improvement programme and changes to a personnel system.

“Lee & Ko gives timely and diligent responses, thorough analysis, creative solutions, practical advice, a strong team in all areas we needed advice from,” says a client. Sang Hoon Lee, Chang Soo Jin, Ji Young Tae and Seung Wan Hahm are advising Barclays Bank and Securities on an employee winding-down process via voluntary retirement packages. In Hyung Lee, Tong Keun Seol and Hyun Seok Song are representing Korea Expressway in a labour dispatch involving 1,000 employees.

“Kim & Chang is the best legal house you have in Korea and the team we have worked on has another layer of commitment to our assignment,” says a client. The traditionally strong firm advises on Korean and offshore fund structuring and formation and many landmark transactions in Korea. Kyung Taek Jung’s team advised Doosan Infracore and MBK Partners on execution of a W1 trillion business transfer agreement.

Lee & Ko is highly regarded for its role in important transactions and its impressive client list, including Macquarie, Affinity Equity, H&Q Korea, Korea Development Bank and KB Investment. Je Won Lee represented IMM Private Equity in its establishment of the $906 million IMM Rosegold III fund.

Noted for its strong relationships with limited partnerships, Yulchon is one of the two leading law firms in the private equity industry. Jin Kook Lee and Tehyok Daniel Yi advised MBK Partners consortium in the buyout of Homeplus. This case involved a significant amount of equity financing, with participation from almost 50 domestic banks and other financial institutions.

Bae Kim & Lee has extensive experience in structuring and drafting documents for numerous project finance transactions in Korea. “Their high quality service includes finding suitable alternatives in the issues,” says one client. Eui Jong Chung and Ho Jin Kim advised Korea South East Power, Daelim Industry and Lotte E&C on the $370 million Gulpur hydropower project in Pakistan.

Kim & Chang consolidates its rankings for its excellent performance in construction matters. The firm has a project finance practice group and an engineering and construction disputes practice group to provide clients with advice covering all aspects of financing and construction disputes. Hi Sun Yoon represented Korea Development Bank and KEXIM in the provision of a $91 million secured term loan for the financing of the construction of two gas carriers.

Lee & Ko houses a dedicated team to advise on large projects. Hun Ko and In Soo Kim advised Kookmin Bank, Industrial Bank of Korea and KB Asset Management on a $3.1 billion public-private partnership infrastructure project, which involved the construction of a 61 km railroad connecting Incheon International Airport and Seoul station. This case was one of the first restructuring projects carried out by the Korean government. Kwang Yul Kim, Hyun Su Kim and Samsung Kim advised Hyundai Rotem on its $1.4 billion Abidjan urban railroad project in Ivory Coast. The case was the first equity investment by a Korean company in a rail infrastructure project overseas.

Shin & Kim is highly regarded for its work on many leading projects in Korea. Helen Pak and Sang Hyun Lee are advising KEXIM, K-Sure and US Exim Bank on the $7.3 billion Egypt Tahrir petrochemical project, a complex in the Suez Industrial Area in Egypt. The team also advised K-sure and KEXIM on a $728 million financing of a hospital campus project in Gaziantep in Turkey.

Bae Kim & Lee continues to sit atop the rankings for its bankruptcy and corporate restructuring practice in Korea. Bo Youl Hur advised Bokwang Group, a group of golf and resort management companies, on its restructuring due to a rush of claims for refunds of golf membership deposits. The $1 billion transaction was one of the largest restructuring deals in Korea in 2015. Jang Ho Lim was involved in Daebo International Shipping’s restructuring. The firm also advised the Zensfield Country Club members’ committee on the establishment and rehabilitation proceedings of Dragon Hill, the operator of the club.

“Although cost is a little high, there is no doubt that Kim & Chang is one of the best firms in Korea. It is very professional in their legal services,” says one client. The firm has handled the largest and most complex insolvency and restructuring cases. Chiyong Rim and Janghoon Kim advised Woori Bank, Shinhan Bank, Industrial Bank of Korea, Nonghyup Bank, Daegu Bank, Busan Bank, Gwangju Bank and Junbuk Bank on obtaining recognition of W420 billion of claims under rehabilitation proceedings. Rim also defended Samwhan against shareholders’ action to commence a rehabilitation proceeding worth W480 billion.

Led by Wanshik Lee, the restructuring and insolvency team at Lee & Ko is highly regarded for its ability to understand the fast-evolving demands of the practice area. Lee, Jung Hyun Lee and Ji Hoon Kim are advising Hyundai Elevator on the W172 billion loan to  Hyundai Merchant Marine for corporate restructuring.

Shin & Kim is recognised for its role in drafting new insolvency legislation in Korea and in advising on the significant acquisition of distressed assets. Young Ku Lee and Bok Gi Choi advised PanOcean, one of the largest bulk carriers in Korea, on its W1 trillion equity sale under rehabilitation proceedings.

Yulchon’s restructuring and insolvency practice is growing quickly and is in demand with some big names including Dongbu Metal. Ki Young Kim advised Posco Plantec on its extension of bond maturities worth $87 million.

Bae Kim & Lee regularly advises Korean shipyards and P&I  (protection and indemnity) clubs on Korean law issues. Jong Ku Kang and Tae Jeong Kim are representing KB Insurance over the collision of an oil tanker with an oil terminal in Korea. The team is also representing Doosan Engine in Korean Commercial Arbitration Board (KCAB) arbitration proceedings.

Choi & Kim is highly regarded for its work in maritime and insurance law. JH Choi and CJ Kim have considerable experience in maritime, insurance and international trade disputes. Sonny Park specialises in marine casualties, insurance, bill of lading and charter-party disputes.

Kim & Chang provides the spectrum of outstanding legal services for the shipping industry. “It has a high quality service and speedy advice on some complex legal issues,” says a client. Byung Suk Chung is advising a shipping association on a highly public sinking involving personal injury liability, wreck removal, marine pollution, investigations, and criminal and civil proceedings. Chung is also advising a cargo underwriter on how to claim for damages caused in Latin America.

Lee & Ko is a leading player in the shipping and aviation practice area. It is experienced in handling every type of dispute in the industry including bill-of-lading claims, charter-party disputes, oil pollution, marine insurance and aircraft crashes. Jin Young Jung is representing the Association of Foreign Shipowners’ representatives in Korea and Pantos Logistics in an action against the enactment and enforcement of the Publication Regulations.

Bae Kim & Lee has a strong focus on defending corporations in large tax assessments and appeals. The firm has served big names including Philip Morris, UBS Securities and Korea Telecom. II Young Cho and Wu Cheol Song successfully represented KT in a $13 million tax litigation matter.

“The team at Kim & Chang is very thorough, responsive and hard-working. They understand both Korean and international legal issues and they manage the client relationship very adroitly. They hold themselves to a high standard of performance, and provide an excellent service to our mutual client that is in keeping with our own brand value,” says one client. The firm has the largest tax practice team in Korea and has considerable experience in advising on all Korean tax issues. Tae Yeon Nam and Jeremy Everett represented a leading Korean investment bank during its tax audit, appeal and reinvestigation.

Lee & Ko is widely recognised for its abilities in tax consulting, litigation, cross-border matters and audit defence. Jay Shim heads the international tax planning and transactions team. The firm represented Intellectual Ventures on the cancellation of $80 million in corporate income taxes related to royalty payments to an Irish entity.

Yoon & Yang is highly regarded as a strong force for tax advice in Korea. Seung Soon Lim, Oh Young Jeon and Wankyu Jeon advised KT Corporation on its additional W53.2 billion corporate tax assessment imposed by the Korean tax authorities.

The past year was about reaping the harvest of hard work for Yulchon. “They are the best in technical knowledge among tax advisors and always have provided outputs on time in full,” says a client. Dong Soo Kim represented MBK Partners on its W7.4 trillion purchase of Homeplus, obtaining favourable domestic and international tax outcomes subsequently. Kim also advised Hyundai Asset Management on its $851 million investment in mezzanine loans.