Bae, Kim & Lee LLC‘s competition and antitrust practice is distinguished by its close collaboration with the firm’s civil litigation and criminal defence teams, ensuring a comprehensive approach to complex legal challenges. The team adeptly handles Korea Fair Trade Commission investigations, subsequent damage suits, and potential criminal referrals. Leading the practice, Hong Ki Kim brings extensive experience representing large-scale enterprises, particularly in matters involving cartels and unfair trade subcontracts. Seong Un Yun offers deep expertise in both international and domestic cartel issues, abuse of market dominance, and merger reporting. Junghun Kim specialises in Korea Fair Trade Commission investigations, administrative appeals, and litigating cases involving the cancellation of tender participation bans.
Antitrust and competition: local firms in South Korea
Bae, Kim & Lee LLC
Practice head(s):
Hong Ki Kim
Other key lawyers:
Keumseok Oh; Seong Un Yun; Hyuna Kim; Ryan Il Kang; Hongki Kim; Sanghoon Shin; Kee Won Shin; Junghun Kim
Testimonials
‘First of all, I appreciate their expertise and excellent judgement on issues related to antitrust. They go straight to the key issues and set forth the legal analysis in a straightforward manner which makes it easier to communicate with business clients. They also provide practical recommendations to resolve the issues. Last but not least, they are always responsive and try their best to meet tight timelines.’
‘The team has been helping our cases regarding KFTC issues for over eight years with outstanding responses and advice, which has benefited our business. The most remarkable strength is their full understanding of our business, industry and customer dynamics, which could allow us to reserve time and effort. The teamwork was also impressive, efficient, and agile.’
‘Sanghoon Shin was outstanding, without a doubt. With knowledge and experience as the specialist for KFTC-related cases, I have had many positive and impressive experiences collaborating with the BKL team. To make the case successful, the client must know whether the legal team has the full capability to handle the case and help the client in terms of ‘understanding of the business’. From this perspective, the Bae, Kim & Lee team is the best.’
‘The team delivers very well-organised material to us. They know exactly what we are looking for and come up with answers and solutions that fit what we are looking for.’
‘They understand the industry. They are receptive to the differences among various countries and companies. In combination with their depth of experience working on cross-border issues, clients can rely on their advice and let them take the lead.’
‘Professional, committed, prompt, and friendly.’
‘The team is extremely thorough and knowledgeable. What immediately impressed me was their ability to grasp complex issues and explain them in an understandable way to U.S.-based clients. I never lost sleep at night, worried whether the team was doing great work and protecting our interests. This team is our go-to for any antitrust and competition disputes in South Korea.’
‘Sanghoon Shin has a great understanding of merger filing in South Korea and other jurisdictions and is fluent in both English and Korean.’
Key clients
BlackRock Financial Management Inc.
CJ CheilJedang
HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co Lt
Hyundai Motor Company
KT
LG Electronics
Marriott International Inc.
Naver
Siemens
Tesla Korea
Work highlights
- Advised Blackrock, the world’s largest asset management firm, in its KRW 1.1 trillion acquisition of a 30% stake in AirFirst Co., Ltd., a Korean industrial gas company, from IMM Private Equity.
- Advised LG Electronics and its overseas subsidiaries in filing a damage claim against four Taiwanese LCD panel manufacturers, including AU optronics Corp and Hannstar Display Corporation.
- Represented Siemens in a lawsuit contesting the KFTC’s administrative disposition imposed on Siemens.
Kim & Chang
Kim & Chang‘s antitrust and competition practice group offers deep expertise in handling complex domestic and cross-border cases. With a focus on key sectors such as ICT, medical, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, automotive, and aviation, the team delivers multidisciplinary services through in-house experts, litigation, and criminal defence teams. Co-led by Youngjin Jung, with vast experience in merger control, international cartel matters, and market dominance issues, and Gene-Oh (Gene) Kim, a seasoned M&A lawyer whose scope includes merger control and competition law. Notable individuals include Jung Won Hyun, handling major merger control cases and antitrust investigations; Min-Ho Lee, who is renowned for precedent-setting cases; Kyung Min Koh, and Hemi Lee, who focuses on government investigations. Brian Tae-Hyun Chung brings expertise in the technology, gaming, tobacco, and chemical industries.
Practice head(s):
Youngjin Jung; Gene-Oh Kim
Other key lawyers:
Brian Tae-Hyun Chung; Jung-Won Hyun; Min-Ho Lee; Kyung-Min Koh; Kee Hong Chun; Hemi Lee; Kyung Yul Lee
Testimonials
‘Great expertise, good communication and a sound sense of duty. Trusted advisors. Highly recommend this team.’
‘Hemi Lee is a smart and efficient lawyer. She gives clear communication, has great expertise and a high sense of responsibility.’
‘Kim & Chang is our go-to law firm for complex competition issues in Korea. Their expertise and depth/breadth of knowledge are unmatched by any other law firm in South Korea. They can mobilise their teams quickly to tackle urgent, resource-intensive matters (such as responding to dawn raids) and provide guidance to make strategic decisions.’
‘Kyung Yul Lee is an exceptional partner who demonstrates a deep understanding of complex legal issues and provides thoughtful guidance. He is one of the best lawyers I know who pays close attention to details and processes, navigates through them, and is able to provide comprehensive advice.’
‘The team’s practice stands out due to the following distinguishing features: The team comprises a diverse group of professionals, including specialists from the KFTC and experienced anti-trust lawyers; the team is known for its exceptional responsiveness; and the team fosters a highly collaborative environment.’
‘Their performances stand out and are different from competitors due to the following distinguishing features: they’re exceptionally logical and strategic when preparing for law-suits and trials; they’re professionally experienced in the anti-trust fields due to their previous careers in the KFTC and the High Court; and they’re highly responsive and collaborative.’
‘It is easy to say that Kim & Chang’s antitrust practice group has the best expertise in antitrust issues with full capacity and manpower to engage with various levels of government agencies. In addition, Kim & Chang has various industry practice groups which can make them understand relevant markets very well.’
‘Kee Hong Chun is the best at meeting the client’s needs. He is always trying to support the client in preparing for potential risks in advance.’
Key clients
Apple
Booking.com
SK Inc.
Samsung Electronics
Volkswagen Group
Broadcom
Siemens Healthineers AG
AstraZeneca
Korea Air
Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering
Work highlights
- Represented Broadcom, Inc. in connection with the KFTC’s merger review of its acquisition of VMware, Inc.
- Advising multinational medical equipment companies on their appeal seeking reversal of KFTC administrative sanctions regarding alleged abuse of market dominance under the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Law.
- Represented Booking.com International BV in the KFTC’s investigation into the alleged use of unfair terms and conditions and its successful appeal of the KFTC’s corrective order requiring the company to amend its terms of service.
Lee & Ko
With Lee & Ko’s extensive expertise in representing both foreign and Korean multinationals, the firm is highly regarded for its work in sectors such as semiconductors, high-tech, finance, automotive, pharmaceuticals, shipping, and ICT. The team includes in-house economists, former KFTC officials, lawyers, and ex-judges and prosecutors, providing comprehensive competition law services. Co-headed by Hwan Jeong, who specialises in merger control, cartels, abuse of dominance, and antitrust litigation, and Jeong-Ho Sun, who is known for handling significant cartel cases and international merger filings. Jungwon Kwon offers a wealth of experience advising multinational corporations on merger control, cartel issues, and antitrust litigation. Suruyn Kim is noted for navigating complex merger reviews, while Jeong Yoon Choi has extensive experience with international cartels, M&A, and KFTC investigations.
Practice head(s):
Hwan Jeong; Jeong-Ho Sun
Other key lawyers:
Suruyn Kim; Jungwon Kwon; Yong Seok Ahn; Miji Lee; Jong Youn Han; Byong Ki Chung; Frank Shyn; Jeong Yoon Choi
Testimonials
‘I highly recommend the antitrust and competition team at Lee & Ko for their exceptional legal services. Their deep expertise in competition law, client-focused approach, and strategic insights have been invaluable to us.’
‘I highly recommend Miji Lee, an antitrust & competition lawyer at Lee & Ko. Miji Lee has provided us with exceptional legal support, demonstrating deep expertise and a meticulous approach to every detail. What truly sets Miji Lee apart is her attentiveness and dedication to our needs. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure we are well informed and supported throughout our legal processes. Her proactive communication and thoughtful guidance have been invaluable.’
‘Lee & Ko’s anti-trust team is incredibly responsive and speedy. On top of that, their team members have diverse backgrounds, such as PhD, ex-agency officers, and tech professionals.’
‘Jeong-Ho Sun is a dedicated partner in the anti-trust area, with years of experience and good networks in the industry.’
‘The team of professional lawyers specialising in fair trade work can be said to be the strongest in South Korea. It has an excellent ability to present comprehensive strategies and response plans by establishing organic cooperative relationships with professional teams in each industry.’
‘They have expertise in the field, and the team has the ability to spot key issues that clients might not be aware of.’
‘Lee & Ko is not only known for its long history of providing superb legal service, but it is also a trusted advisor devoted to true communication with clients. Lee & Ko attorneys are great communicators in that they sincerely commit to understanding the business needs and environment.’
‘Jeong Yoon Choi is an excellent antitrust lawyer. Her willingness to commit to different time zones and respond timely according to client needs has been very impressive. Jeong Yoon approaches a given subject not only from a legal perspective but from the client\’s unique situation and other non-legal circumstances, which is not something that every other lawyer can do.’
Key clients
Novozymes A/S
Tapestry Inc.
Stratasys Ltd., Stratasys AP Ltd., Stratasys Korea Limited
Korean Bar Association, Seoul Bar Association
LG Chem Co. Ltd.
NAVER Corporation
Dechra
Wanhai
SK Telecom, KT, LG UPlus, Korea Credit Bureau, Seoul Guarantee Insurance Company
Aurelius Group
Work highlights
- Represented Novozymes in the merger filing for Novozymes’ merger with Chr. Hansen (a large-scale statutory merger between the largest global biotechnology companies of Denmark) and successfully obtained unconditional clearance of the USD 12.3 billion transaction from the KFTC.
- Represented T-Way, Korea’s leading low-cost carrier, in the European Commission’s merger review process in its bid to become the remedy taker for passenger flights in the large global merger (valued at USD 1.34 billion) between Korean Air and Asiana Airlines.
- Represented Alvogen after the KFTC commenced an investigation on the collusion between Alvogen and AstraZeneca Korea Ltd., alleging that Alvogen delayed the development of the generic versions of AstraZeneca’s original drugs (Zoladex, Arimidex and Casodex (“DEX drugs”)) in exchange for exclusive distribution rights to DEX drugs in South Korea.
Shin & Kim
Shin & Kim is recognised for its work representing both foreign and domestic clients; the firm is highly regarded for handling a broad spectrum of antitrust matters, including domestic and international cartels, abuse of market dominance, and groundbreaking cases in Korean antitrust law. Co-head John Choi leads multi-jurisdictional antitrust investigations, while co-head Han Soon Choi, leveraging his experience as a former judge, handles high-profile litigation in market dominance and cartel cases. Sangdon Lee, an expert in merger filings, actively advises the KFTC on updates to the merger control regime. Young Chul Yim, a key figure in the antitrust practice, has led several landmark cases, offering novel legal analysis and addressing untested issues in the evolving antitrust landscape.
Practice head(s):
John Choi; Han Soon Choi
Other key lawyers:
Sangdon Lee; Young Chul Yim; Jooyoung Park; Chang-Young Cho; Changhun Lee; Eui-Rae Kim
Testimonials
‘This is a great firm with excellent lawyers who know how to apply local laws in an international environment. They are focused on achieving the best results for clients given the commercial context. They have access to key decision-makers within the authorities, such as the KFTC. I can wholeheartedly recommend them.’
‘John Choi and Jooyoung Park are probably two of the most skilled competition lawyers in South Korea. They know the law, are able to convince officials and manage client expectations. This leads to very high client satisfaction rates.’
‘The team is one of the best in handling South Korean merger filings.’
‘Sangdon Lee is very responsive and experienced. He is the go-to person for merger filing and antitrust matters in South Korea.’
‘Shin & Kim’s competition and antitrust practice has handled a number of complex global matters. Shin & Kim has an outstanding conflict standard in South Korea.’
‘I started working with John Choi in about 2000. The relationship continues to this day. I continue to work with John on all important antitrust matters. Even in non-antitrust cases, I seek John’s advice on the approaches. John’s depth of legal skills is unchallenged in South Korea. John is an exceptional lawyer, and he also possesses impeccable integrity. John is legendary in the South Korean legal community for his unparalleled ethical standard and his excellent lawyering skills.’
Key clients
Qualcomm Inc.
Asiana Airlines Inc.
Mercedes-Benz Group AG
Hyundai Steel Co., Ltd.
Koninklijke Philips N.V.
SK Group
Aktiebolaget Volvo
Kakao Mobility
Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
Lotte Group
Hiconsy Inc.
Work highlights
- Advised Qualcomm Inc. on abuse of dominance cases.
- Advised Qualcomm Inc. on class action in the UK.
- Advised Asiana Airlines on merger filing.
Jipyong LLC
Jipyong LLC has taken a leading role in significant domestic antitrust cases, securing major rulings in areas including conglomerate and online platform regulations, insider trading, market dominance abuse, unfair collusion, and overseas merger filings. Led by Gee Hong Kim, renowned for handling complex, high-stakes cases, the team also features Byung Joo Lee, an antitrust and compliance specialist who advises on cartel activities, KFTC reports, and litigation. Poom Jang is recognised for his expertise in traditional antitrust areas, such as market dominance abuse and conglomerate regulations, as well as emerging issues including online platforms, greenwashing, dark patterns, and ESG.
Practice head(s):
Gee Hong Kim
Other key lawyers:
Byung Joo Lee; Poom Jang
Testimonials
‘They provide prompt and friendly legal advisory services. They are lawyers with excellent capabilities to take on various cases and offer practical solutions.’
‘They save me valuable time with their quick replies. This is a significant difference from other big firms. They work in an excellent manner by providing appropriate solutions necessary for problem-solving, giving me options to choose from.’
‘Fair trade legal expertise, networking, and close collaboration with customers.’
‘Providing excellent skills and bespoke customer service.’
Key clients
Samsung Electronics co. ltd
InfoBank Corporation
Kakao Corp.
SK On Co., Ltd.
Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd.
Kakao Mobility Corp.
Haitai Confectionery and Foods Co., Ltd.
SPC SAMLIP CO., LTD., SPC Group and its management
Musicow, Inc.
Work highlights
- Represented Samsung Electronics in a case involving abuse of dominant position by Broadcom, a global semiconductor company, and obtained the KFTC’s dismissal of Broadcom’s application for a consent order, as well the KFTC’s decision to impose sanctions (corrective order and administrative fines) on Broadcom.
- Represented InfoBank in a case involving KT/LG Uplus’ market dominant position relating to corporate messaging services and obtained the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Seoul High Court’s decision, which was later finalised.
- Represented Kakao in its filing of business combination notification for its merger with SM Entertainment. The acquisition of SM Entertainment, a major Korean entertainment company, is expected to become a leading merger case for complex transactions involving horizontal combinations, vertical combinations, and mixed combinations in various markets.
Yoon & Yang LLC
Yoon & Yang LLC is renowned for representing global industry leaders in matters involving market dominance abuse, cartels, mergers, resale price maintenance, and unfair business practices before the KFTC and international competition authorities. The team features experts with prior KFTC and judicial experience. Led by Sang Oh Jeon, who advises Korean conglomerates and multinationals on KFTC investigations concerning cartel cases, unfair trade practices, and violations of retail and franchise laws. Chul Ho Kim brings extensive expertise in healthcare and advises multinationals and domestic companies on cartels, market dominance abuse, and unfair trade practices, with a focus on business combinations and internal trading.
Practice head(s):
Sang Oh Jeon
Other key lawyers:
Paul S. Rhee; Chul Ho Kim; Young Min Kang; SB (Suakbuam) Hong; Chang Mo An
Testimonials
‘The team has extensive experience working with international clients on merger and compliance issues. Their team is well established and has good links with regulators.’
‘Paul Rhee knows how to take a proactive approach in serving his clients in South Korea and abroad.’
‘The firm has advised on antitrust matters relating to our investments, joint ventures and business collaborations. As a whole, the firm has impressed me with creative and practical advice on complex issues and a great relationship with the Korea Fair Trade Commission. The team has a deep bench of practitioners, from experienced partners to hard-working associates, as well as former senior officials from the Commission that can give us important insight into the thinking and practice of the Commission.’
‘I work primarily with Paul Rhee, a foreign attorney partner in the firm’s antitrust practice and has decades of antitrust experience. Paul is easy to work with and understands foreign client’s needs. Paul is diligent and extremely responsive. Paul tries to deliver positive results and is an advocate for us.’
‘This law firm has a strong Fair Trade team, which gives practical advice to customers.’
‘Yoon & Yang knows the core of the issues and provides accurate information and alternatives for clients to decide.’
Key clients
Microsoft
Qualcomm
Samsung Group
LG Group
SK Group
Hyundai Motor Group
Korean Air
Mirae Asset
Hanwha
British America Tobacco Korea
Work highlights
- Successfully represented IBK, effectively assisting in interviews and document submissions to significantly limit the investigation’s scope relating to potential collusion on LTV ratios and loan interest rates following dawn raids in early 2023.
- Defended Wesang in the alleged collusion in setting delivery fees investigation.
- Represented Samsung SDI in leading to the Supreme Court dismissing the KFTC’s appeal and finalising the High Court’s ruling in favour of Samsung SDI.
Yulchon
Yulchon handles a full range of antitrust matters, from advising in the business planning phase to responding to KFTC investigations and litigating administrative, civil, or criminal actions. It offers expertise in cartels, abuse of dominance, unfair trade practices, and merger control and is well-positioned to handle cross-border transactions in both cutting-edge and traditional industries. Led by Sung Bom Park, with experience in sectors such as automotive, aviation, healthcare, and telecommunications, the team includes Cecil Saehoon Chung, a foreign attorney focusing on international antitrust and trade issues, and Song Ryu, who has litigated high-profile antitrust cases and advised on post-KFTC damages actions.
Practice head(s):
Sung Bom Park
Other key lawyers:
Cecil Saehoon Chung; Jeong Keun Yun; Yoon Hwan Hwang; Sung Moo Jung; Song Ryu
Testimonials
‘Cecil Saehoon Chung is very user-friendly for US counsel and clients. He has good US experience and can help clients navigate the South Korean antitrust merger review process very effectively. He gives commercial advice.’
‘Very good combination of technical excellence and pragmatic and clear advice.’
‘Cecil Saehoon Chung is pragmatic, responsive and experienced in cross-border deals.’
Key clients
Qualcomm
Schaeffler AG
Continental AG
Delta Air Lines
Microsoft
Agoda
Hanjin Transportation
GIC
Hitachi Automotive Systems
Woowa Brothers
Korea Telecom (KT)
ESR
SK Telecom
Hanwha
Kakao
Work highlights
- Microsoft’s USD 70 Billion Acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
- VMware’s USD 61 Billion Sale to Broadcom.
- Defence of Evergreen and Sinokor in KFTC’s Container Shipping Cartel Enforcement Matters.
DR & AJU LLC
DR & AJU LLC‘s antitrust and competition practice has a proven track record of representing a broad client base in antitrust litigation and advising businesses on complex antitrust issues. Led by Sang Mo Koo, an expert in fair trade laws, the group focuses on cartel investigations and litigation related to the Fair Transactions in Franchise Business Act, consistently securing favourable outcomes for clients across a range of industries.
Practice head(s):
Sang Mo Koo
Other key lawyers:
Jeong Ran Lee; Ki Sung Lee
Testimonials
‘DR & AJU LLC is one of the most professional law firms in Korea, and its fair trade team, in particular, is considered to have the highest level of skills in the country. They provide all legal advice based on our business understanding through long-term partnerships with companies, effectively serving as a management consultant.’
‘The team is made up of members whose legal knowledge is excellent but also whose practical experience is incomparable to that of other law firms. In particular, lawyers Sang Mo Koo, Jeong Ran Lee, and Ki Sung Lee have outstanding skills.’
Key clients
Korea Association of Travel Agents (KATA)
POSCO
LG Household & Health Care (LG H&H)
LG Electronics
POSCO Engineering & Construction (POSCO E&C)
Fursys Inc.
Work highlights
- Representing the Korea Association of Travel Agents in filing a complaint to the Korea Fair Trade Commission against the International Air Transport Association regarding the removal of commission payments.
- Advising POSCO in a claim for damages in a case where logistic companies colluded on POSCO contracts.
- Advising LG Household & Health Care for a violation of the Fair Agency Transactions Act ex officio based on opinions collected from its agencies.