South Korea > Antitrust and competition
Antitrust and competition
Kim & Chang provides ‘first-class representation that is conversant and responsive’. 2010 saw it act for LG Household & Healthcare Ltd to obtain clearance from the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) for its acquisition of Haitai Beverage Co; and defend several airlines in the KFTC’s largest international cartel investigation to date, into the alleged price fixing of air cargo rates. The 18-partner team was strengthened by the arrival of former judge Hyunjong Lee. The ‘knowledgeable’ Sungjoo Yoon, practice head and ‘outstanding leader’ KT Jung, and Jay Ahn, who is ‘a pleasure to work with’, are all recommended.
Clients appreciate Lee & Ko for its ‘expert attorneys with specialist know-how in antitrust issues, and high levels of experience’. Highlights included representing Korean Airlines in a KFTC investigation into alleged abuse of market dominance. Sung Man Kim heads the antitrust practice, and has a ‘wealth of knowledge and experience in the area’, and was joined by five antitrust attorneys from Shin & Kim, including leading figures Hwan Jeong and Min Ho Lee.
‘Top class in Korea’, Yulchon’s competition practice represented GS Caltex in the KFTC investigation into an alleged price-fixing scheme among LPG gas suppliers in Korea, successfully obtaining a reduction of an administrative fine and an exemption from criminal charges. Sai-Ree Yun and Hae Sik Park jointly head the practice; Kumju Son is recommended for his ‘deep knowledge of competition law’; and Seuk-Joon Lee ‘possesses not only extensive legal expertise, but also a client-friendly attitude’.
Headed by Keum Seok Oh, Bae, Kim & Lee LLC’s three-partner team is a regular presence before the KFTC, acting for an international client base. Highlights for 2010 included representing several airlines in the air cargo cartel investigation, and acting for Korea Midland Power in a KFTC investigation into abuse of market dominance by five major electricity companies in Korea.
Despite losing five attorney to Lee & Ko, Shin & Kim still fields a team of ‘seasoned attorneys who have the deepest appreciation for antitrust theories and practice in Korea’. Practice head Young Chul Yim is singled out for his ‘KFTC experience, and good and broad relationship with government and industry’. Highlights included acting for CJ E&M in a KFTC investigation into alleged cartel activity.
Highlights for Yoon & Yang LLC’s well-respected competition practice included acting for Intel Corporation in its appeal to the Seoul High Court to overturn a correction order imposed by the KFTC for the alleged abuse of market dominance; and acting for Cathay Pacific and Air Hong Kong Limited in the air cargo cartel investigation. Seong-Sig Kim heads the team.
Hwang Mok Park P.C. handles cartel and insider trading cases for its corporate clients.