Next Generation Partners

Capital markets: local firms in South Korea

Bae, Kim & Lee LLC

Advising on the full spectrum of capital markets transactions with ‘unrivalled expertise and experience’, Bae, Kim & Lee LLC dominates the market in Korea. The team is led by Jeong Rai Cho and Hee-Gang Shin advises on cross-jurisdictional convertible bonds, IPOs in the motor industry, and listings on the Korea Exchange. Jeong-Hoon Lee advises on IPOs, with demonstrable experience in the pharmaceutical and entertainment industries, while foreign attorney Heesug Chung handles global debt offerings and outbound investments. The team also provides comprehensive services in securities and handles regulatory and tax issues through debt and equity instruments. Another key team member is Eui Jong Chung.

Practice head(s):

Jeong Rai Cho


Other key lawyers:

Hee-Gang Shin; Jeong-Hoon Lee; Heesug Chung; Eui Jong Chung


Testimonials

‘Unrivalled expertise and experience in Korean capital market transactions.’

Key clients

BNP Paribas


Citigroup Global Markets Limited


Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank


KB Securities


Korea Investment & Securities


Mirae Asset Securities


Samsung Securities


Société Générale


Yuanta Securities


Work highlights


  • Advised Merrill Lynch (Asia Pacific) on the issuance of the USD 1.7 billion Convertible Bonds by SK Hynix, which was listed on the Singapore Exchange.
  • Advised Peak Bio in connection with its listing on NASDAQ via merger with SPAC, Ignyte Acquisition Corp.
  • Advised KB Securities on the IPO and KOSPI listing of KB Star REIT of which underlying assets are real estate located in Belgium and UK.

Kim & Chang

Handling high-value transactions, Kim & Chang’s ‘breadth and depth of services are unparalleled’. Noted for its expertise in IPOs on the Korea Exchange and cross-jurisdictional securitisation matters, the team also advises on covered and exchangeable bonds. The practice is led by Kye Sung Chung, while Myoung-Jae Chung works on the full range of equity offerings, as well as structured hybrid instruments and derivatives. Seung Jae Yoo focuses on denominated senior unstructured notes, while Yong-Ho Kim specialises in structured finance. Other key team members include Yong Seung Sun, who advises on receivables transactions, and Tae Min Yun.

Practice head(s):

Kye Sung Chung


Other key lawyers:

Myoung-Jae Chung; Seung Jae Yoo; Yong-Ho Kim; Yong Seung Sun; Tae Min Yun


Testimonials

‘Kim & Chang is equipped with various expertise to accommodate any request or queries from the clients. The breadth and depth of services are unparalleled.’

Key clients

J.P. Morgan Securities (Far East) Limited.


Citigroup Global Markets Korea Securities Limited


Morgan Stanley


Goldman Sachs


BNP Paribas


Credit Suisse


Work highlights


  • Advised on a series of transactions in connection with the establishment of the Global Covered Bond Programme up to USD15,000,000,000 and the issuance of covered bonds in the amount of EUR500,000,000 thereunder by Korea Housing Finance Corporation.
  • Advised Korea Development Bank on update of U.S.$30,000,000,000 Global Medium Term Note Programme.
  • Advised on Issuance of U.S.$1,700,000,000 1.75 per cent. Convertible Bonds due 2030 (convertible into common shares) by SK hynix Inc.

Lee & Ko

Lee & Ko specialises in debt and ESG debt securities, as well as advising on a full range of equity, structured finance and securitisation mandates. Team head Hyunjoo Oh has ‘profound knowledge’ in the field of structured products, derivatives, compliance issues and foreign exchange regulations, while Seung-A Hyun specialises in debt capital and exchange transactions. Dong Yon Kim advises on regulatory compliance and bond issuance matters, while Sang Hyun Ahn contentious mandates. Another key member of the group is Jun Woo Cho, who advises on investment agreements and was recently appointed head of the equity capital markets team.

Practice head(s):

Hyunjoo Oh


Other key lawyers:

Seung-A Hyun; Dongyon Kim; Sang Hyun Ahn; Jun Woo Cho


Testimonials

‘Lee & Ko has deeply experienced experts in capital markets. They differentiate themselves from others in that they are commercially well-trained. When there is an issue of regulation, they give concrete advice to make a deal plausible.’

‘Hyunjoo Oh has profound knowledge in capital markets.’ 

‘The team provides efficient, excellent and cost-saving solutions.’

‘Hyunjoo Oh always delivers great quality of services in a timely manner.’

Key clients

National Pension Service


Export-Import Bank of Korea


Korea Development Bank


Korea Post


ING Bank


Standard Chartered Bank


BNP Paribas


Deutsche Bank


Citigroup Global Markets Inc.


The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited


J.P. Morgan Securities LLC


Korea Investment Corporation


Societe Generale


Korea Investment & Securities Co., Ltd.


Samsung Securities Co., Ltd.


Mirae Asset Daewoo Co., Ltd.


Meritz Securities Co., Ltd.


Hana Bank


Shinhan Bank


NH Investment & Securities


Work highlights


  • Advised The Korea Development Bank in its issuance of approximately USD 2 billion global bonds.
  • Advised Meritz Securities for entering into KRW 1.5 trillion investment agreement with Lotte E&C.
  • Advised Kookmin Bank for 3 consecutive block deals of Samsung Electronics, Samsung Life Insurance and Samsung SDS worth USD 1.1 billion.

Shin & Kim

Working on high-value capital markets transactions, Shin & Kim provides a full-service offering to domestic and foreign securities firms, investment banks and various issuers. Tae-Yong Seo, who has ‘years of experience, intelligence and a keen logical approach’ and has advised on multiple IPOs and major bond issuances, leads the team. Other key contacts include Jong-Uk Lee, who has advised on numerous covered bond deals and domestic issuance structures; Seung-Eun Cho, who specialises in cross-jurisdictional ABS deals and regularly advises on regulatory matters; Yong Jin Park, who works on structured finance transactions and loan securitisation, and Christina Gee, who advises on a broad range of loan-related matters.

Practice head(s):

Tae-Yong Seo


Other key lawyers:

Jong-Uk Lee; Seung-Eun Cho; Yong Jin Park; Christina Gee


Testimonials

‘Shin & Kim has always been the leader in Korea’s securitisation market, pioneering new transactions and asset classes.’

‘Jong-Uk Lee is the leading partner for securitisation. He helps provide solutions to legal and regulatory challenges, and has a  ‘can-do’ attitude which differentiates him from other partners in this field.’

‘Shin & Kim offers good services in the capital markets arena.’

‘Tae-Yong Seo has lengthy experience, intelligence, and a keen logical approach.

‘S&K’s capital markets team always surprises me with the great depth of its experience.’

Key clients

CLSA Capital Partners (HK) Limited


Peoplefund Company Inc.


DST Global Services


CDIB Capital Group


Shinhan Bank Co., Ltd.


The Korea Development Bank


Shinhan Card Co., Ltd.


BNP Paribas


Korea Financial Investment Association (KOFIA)


DBS Bank


Heungkuk Life Insurance Co., Ltd.


KB Securities


Credit Suisse AG


Kyobo Life Insurance Co., Ltd.


The Korea Export-Import Bank (KEXIM)


Hyundai Card Co., Ltd.


CLSA Capital Partners (HK) Limited


Societe Generale


KORAMCO REITs Management and Trust


Aspex Management


Jipyong LLC

Advising on a broad range of capital markets matters, Jipyong LLC’s team handles IPOs, SPAC listings, and private equity fund work. Team head Haeng-Gyu Lee is a trusted adviser to financial institutions expanding overseas, working on syndicated loans and dual listings. Associate Yu Jin Lee specialises in financial regulation and corporate advisory issues, while Joong Sung Ahn handles legal due diligence and criminal finance matters. Another key team member is Ki Il Ban.

Practice head(s):

Haeng Gyu Lee


Other key lawyers:

Yu Jin Lee; Joong Sung Ahn; Ki Il Ban


Key clients

STIC Investments, Inc.


KB Securities Co., Ltd., Shinhan Securities Co., Ltd., W Scope Chungju Plant Co., Ltd.


Mirae Asset Securities Co., Ltd.


Korea Investment & Securities Co., Ltd., TOP MATERIAL Co., Ltd.


Mirae Asset Securities Co., Ltd., Narae Nanotech Corporation


Mirae Asset Securities Co., Ltd., Quality Reliability Technology Inc.


Korea Investment & Securities Co., Ltd., Dae Myoung Energy Co., Ltd.


Mirae Asset Securities Co., Ltd., 4by4 Inc.


Mirae Asset Securities Co., Ltd., JI Tech Co., Ltd.


Samsung Securities Co., Ltd., Laserssel Co., Ltd.


Korea Investment & Securities Co., Ltd., Yuil Robotics Co., Ltd. (previously known as Yuil System)


Mirae Asset Securities Co., Ltd., Enjet Co., Ltd.


Korea Investment & Securities Co., Ltd., Assems Inc.


Korea Investment & Securities Co., Ltd., Incar Financial Service Co., Ltd.


Korea Investment & Securities Co., Ltd., VC Inc.


Korea Investment & Securities Co., Ltd., Noul Co., Ltd.


Mirae Asset Securities Co., Ltd.


Mirae Asset Securities Co., Ltd., U Bion Co., Ltd.


Work highlights


  • Advised STIC INVESTMENTS Inc. on the (i) reformation of its governance, (ii) listing on the KOSPI market, and (iii) exemption from public disclosure obligations by being recognized as a PEF-specialized business group.
  • Advised KB Securities Co., Ltd., Shinhan Securities Co., Ltd., and W-Scope Chungju Plant Co., Ltd. regarding listing on the KOSDAQ market.
  • Advised Mirae Asset Securities Co., Ltd. and Yunsung F&C Co., Ltd. regarding listing on the KOSDAQ Market.

Yoon & Yang LLC

Yoon & Yang LLC is noted for its expertise in debt and equity capital markets, particularly the multi-jurisdictional issuances of high-value bonds. Hyun Suk Jung is a key team member, while Sung Woon Kang specialises in IPOs for both domestic and foreign clients, as well as establishment and investment of foreign funds. Associate Bora Kang works on collective investments, market regulations, and private equity matters. Other key contacts in the group include Young Ho Kang and senior associate Chan Me Song.

Practice head(s):

Hwan Jun Heo


Other key lawyers:

Hyun Suk Jung; Sung Woon Kang; Bora Kang; Young Ho Kang; Chan Me Song


Testimonials

‘The capital markets team has great expertise and insight in the market. They always give good advice.’

Key clients

Shinhan Bank


Woori Bank


KEB Hana Bank


Korea Development Bank


Export-Import Bank


Korea-Deposit Insurance Corporation


NH Investment & Securities


Korea Investment & Securities


Mirae Asset Daewoo


Samsung Securities


Korea Asset Management Corporation


DB Financial Investment


Korea Investment Holdings


KB Securities


Shinhan Investment Corp.


Work highlights


  • Advised the IPO of Bionote, a well-known manufacturer of veterinary diagnostic reagents in Korea on KOSPI market.
  • Advised the Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) in its issuance of global bonds.
  • Advising Contera Pharma, a Danish-based healthcare company, in its IPO on Korean stock markets.

Yulchon

Yulchon’s capital markets department advises on structured and project finance mandates, overseas investments, and ABS issuances. The team is co-headed by Young Su Shin and Sung Wook Eun, while Jin Kook Lee advises on high-profile IPOs and equity capital transactions, as well as acquisitions in the shipbuilding and maritime industries. Gun Kim is a trusted adviser on stock and various bond instruments, as well as advising on high-value financing transactions. Another key team member is Geen Kim.

Practice head(s):

Young Su Shin; Sung Wook Eun


Other key lawyers:

Jin Kook Lee; Gun Kim; Geen Kim; Kyu Sik Kim


Key clients

KB Securities Co., Ltd.


Mirae Asset Securities (HK)


PS Alliance Co., Ltd.


BMW Group


Goldman Sachs (Asia) L.L.C.


Korea Investment & Securities Co., Ltd.


Lotte Rental


J.P. Morgan


Credit Suisse


Kia Corporation


Hana Bank


Dominus Investment


Hyundai Capital Services


Work highlights


  • Acted as Korean counsel to Hana Bank in connection with Hana Bank’s placement of medium term notes in the aggregate principal amount of A$2,000,000,000.
  • Advised Dominus Investment Co., Ltd. regarding its subscription of convertible bonds issued by Ace Technology Co., Ltd.