Rising Stars

Firms To Watch: International arbitration

Jun Hee Kim is the key practitioner at Arnold & Porter's Seoul office for international arbitration work – he advises clients from a range of sectors and handles cases including post-M&A disputes and contentious construction.

International arbitration in South Korea

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP‘s international arbitration group is ‘a winning team,’ who are ‘continuing to thrive, particularly in the tech sector.’ The contentious offering in the Seoul office is co-headed by Mike McClure KC  - an English solicitor who was appointed as King's Counsel in 2023 - and the ‘dedicated and experienced’ Dana Kim, where the team handles work for a diverse portfolio of clients including private equity firms and others within contentious financial disputes, and a number of major Korean technology and manufacturing firms. The team is also recommended for technology-related matters.

Practice head(s):

Mike McClure KC; Dana Kim


Testimonials

‘Herbert Smith is one of the most reliable and competent foreign firms in Korea. ’

‘Mike McClure KC understands the needs of Korean client and has a good understanding of Korean market. He has handled various disputes involving Korean parties successfully and is meticulous in complex cases.’

‘Herbert Smith’s international arbitration Korea group is a prime example of a winning team that speaks softly and carries a big stick. With their proven track record, they continue to thrive particularly in the tech sector. The team provides real solutions and successful outcomes for their clients, not just professional opinions and analysis.’

Key clients

British American Tobacco


Korean Reinsurance Company


Star Hydro Power Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised a major Korean manufacturer on multiple product liability proceedings in the US relating to lithium-ion batteries.
  • Advised a Korean state-owned company in an LCIA arbitration against a Pakistan government-owned entity relating to the construction of a hydro power plant in Pakistan.
  • Advised a Korean semiconductor company on multiple patent litigation proceedings in Europe.

Kim & Chang

Featuring ‘high-calibre practitioners,Kim & Chang‘s international arbitration practice is ’known to be one of the biggest and best in South Korea,’ with a large market-leading team specialising in investor-state disputes and serious cross-border commercial disputes. Byung-Chol Yoon, who is active as both counsel and arbitrator, leads the practice, handling disputes concerning mergers and acquisitions and joint ventures, often within the construction industry. The ‘stellar’ Sae Youn Kim specialises in commercial international law, handling contentious shareholder matters. Elsewhere, ‘highly distinguished litigator’ Hye Sung Kim  represents Korean energy companies, while Chul-Won Lee advises handles work before tribunals in intra-Korean disputes. Ji Hwan Kim and Joel Richardson are also noted.

Practice head(s):

Byung-Chol Yoon


Other key lawyers:

Sae Youn Kim; Hye Sung Kim; Chul-Won Lee; Ji Hwan Kim; Joel Richardson


Testimonials

‘Sue-Hyun Lim is hard-working, responsive and sensible – a safe pair of hands.’

‘Chul-Won Lee is a recognised name in international arbitration with a wealth of skill and knowledge.’

‘Hye Sung Kim is one of the best remarkable lawyers I have worked with. She has acquired consistent praises for her exceptional dispute resolution works in the international arbitration, being applauded as a highly distinguished litigator, demonstrating an exceptional ability to navigate the intricacies of commercial matters.’ 

‘Sae Youn Kim and Ji Hwan Kim are both outstanding arbitration counsel and true experts in their field. They are our go-to lawyers in Korea. They combine all the relevant skills: advocacy skills, strategic mind set and sound judgment. ’

‘Sae Youn Kim is the best lawyer in the Asian market. She is stellar. She is bright, personable, and relentless.’

‘This practice is known to be one of the biggest and best in South Korea.’

‘Kim & Chang’s international arbitration practice, unlike other law firms in Korea, is the only real “one-stop shop”. Kim & Chang’s international arbitration practice retains high caliber practitioners from Korea and other major jurisdictions. The quality of its advocacy, both written and oral, is second to none domestically and internationally.’

‘This practice is known to be one of the biggest and best in South Korea.’

Key clients

Schindler Holding AG


Standard Chartered Private Equity (Affirma Capital)


Mitsubishi Power


Brookfield Asset Management


Credit Suisse


POSCO Energy


Samsung Biologics


Samsung Heavy Industries


Hanwha


Samsung C&T


Lee & Ko

Lee & Ko ‘s market leading international arbitration practice is ‘extremely adaptable and knowledgeable,’ when handling advising major domestic and international firms on complex high-profile cases. The firm’s roster of highly experienced junior and senior attorneys is co-led by esteemed arbitrators Robert W. Wachter  and Sean Sungwoo Lim, with the latter specialising in commercial, construction, and investment arbitration heard across major venues worldwide. Saemee Kim, lauded as the ‘backbone of the team’ handles matters within the engineers and energy industries; Sunyoung Kim handles, among other work, M&A disputes; and Elizabeth Shin is active in construction cases.

Practice head(s):

Sean Sungwoo Lim; Robert W. Wachter


Other key lawyers:

Sunyoung Kim; Saemee Kim; Elizabeth Shin


Testimonials

‘Extremely adaptable and knowledgeable in international arbitration matters. They get the job done quickly and effectively. ’

‘Sunyoung Kim is a skillful advocate who is also extremely responsive, hardworking, and dedicated. ’

‘A talented and diverse team led by Robert Wachter, who frequently appear on large arbitration cases. They are one of the best firms in Korea.’ 

‘Robert Wachter is a very thorough advocate and excellent cross examiner. Saemee Kim is also a rising star, and the backbone of the team.’

Key clients

Republic of Korea


Korea Electric Power Corporation, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd


Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Co., Ltd.


Hyundai Rotem Company


GS Engineering & Construction Corporation


The Republic of Korea represented by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration


Eco Management Holdings (Malta) 2 Ltd.


Hyundai Steel Company


Jeju Air Co., Ltd.


Kriesha Ziskind Tiu


DWS Star Bridge Co., Ltd.


Bae, Kim & Lee LLC

The ‘enthusiastic and diligent‘ international arbitration group at Bae, Kim & Lee LLC is ‘among the most experienced in Korea.’ Co-led by experienced arbitration lawyer and arbitrator Tony Dongwook Kang  and senior foreign attorney Brandon Bang (who is qualified in New Zealand), the team handles the full range of international arbitration matters within the construction and energy industries, as well as joint venture and post-M&A disputes. Junu Kim has a wealth of experience in complex commercial arbitration, working on investor-state and post-M&A disputes, while former judge Hongjoong Kim is an expert in international commercial arbitration, handling shipbuilding matters among others. Another key team member is Woojae Kim who works on Korean civil litigation relating to arbitration awards and cross-border litigation in foreign courts.

Practice head(s):

Tony Dongook Kang


Other key lawyers:

Junu Kim; Hongjoon Kim; Woojae Kim


Testimonials

‘The team at Bae, Kim & Lee LLC are enthusiastic and diligent. ’

‘The BKL international arbitration team is among the most experienced in Korea. They are smart, knowledgeable, and hard-working. Strengths and key capabilities are in construction arbitration and ISDS.’

‘Partner Junu Kim is a brilliant lawyer, and very practical. He knows how to cut to the heart of an issue. He has a memory like a steel trap.’ 

‘The individuals at BKL truly distinguish themselves through their exceptional legal acumen and unwavering dedication to their clients. They don’t just provide services; they build partnerships, understanding my business intricately to offer tailored solutions.

‘Partners Mr. Woojae Kim and Ms. Yoonjeong Park stand out for their depth of knowledge and strategic vision. Their experience and insights have been instrumental in navigating complex legal scenarios, consistently driving successful outcomes.’

‘Brandon Bang is a steller arbitration counsel. Exceptionally bright and very astute on all aspects of the legal arguments and commercial considerations.’

‘Bae, Kim & Lee LLC houses an impressive field of experienced arbitration partners.’

‘The BKL international arbitration team, in particular, provides top-tier legal expertise and invaluable business insights. Their collaborative culture fosters comprehensive solutions, leveraging the strengths of diverse fields of law. This level of teamwork is rarely seen elsewhere and has proven to be instrumental in successful case outcomes.’

Key clients

Actoz Soft


Affinity Equity Partners


Baring Private Equity Asia


Government of Singapore Investment Corporation


IMM Private Equity


POSCO Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.


Republic of Korea


Work highlights


Peter & Kim

Peter & Kim‘s specialist arbitration practice is for some one of the most elite arbitration practices worldwide.’ Kevin Kim, ‘a luminary of international arbitration in South Korea and East Asia,’ and John Bang co-head the Seoul office, with the latter supervising and coordinating multi-jurisdictional court litigation and is present on large portion of the firm's caseload. Specialising in complex commercial arbitration, Yunsoo Shin and Seokchun Yun are both dual qualified in New York and Seoul and routinely advise multi-national clients on heavyweight disputes. Mino Han specialises in construction and engineering disputes, while senior associate Jennifer Yoo is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Kevin Kim; John Bang


Other key lawyers:

Yunsoo Shin; Seokchun Yun; Mino Han; Jennifer Yoo


 


Testimonials

‘Kevin Kim is a luminary of international arbitration in South Korea and East Asia. He has strong qualities of emotional intelligence and a good sense of judgement.’ 

‘Jennifer Yoo is a great asset. She has a razor sharp mind and an exceptional retentive memory. ’

‘Kevin Kim is the undisputed leader in the area of international arbitration in Korea. In addition to his reputation, his vast network and relationships with the global arbitration community, particularly in Asia, sets him apart from his contemporaries.’

‘John Bang is one of the best case managers, and definitely one of the best English speaking arbitration practitioners in Korea.’

‘Mino Han is a rising star in the arbitration community. Very detail oriented, with a good business judgment.’

‘Peter & Kim is the undisputed leader in the Korean market and one of the most elite arbitration practices worldwide. The firm is constantly engaged for and is successful in the biggest mandates in the region. They have a strong team of lawyers in their Seoul office, led by Kevin Kim and John Bang, who are the two most highly regarded practitioners in the region.’

Key clients

Mirae Asset Global Investments Co.


POSCO Engineering and Construction Co., Ltd.


Republic of Korea (Ministry of Justice)


Affinity Equity Partners


Westinghouse Electric Company LLC


Shinhan Engineering & Construction


National Iranian Oil Co


POSCO International Corporation


CJ E&M


SHENB


Hyundai Engineering & Construction


Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.


Work highlights


  • Advised Mirae Asset Global Investments Co., Ltd. to represent it in a real-estate transaction related arbitration arising out of an MOU to purchase five properties and a business in South Korea.
  • Advised private equity consortium consisting of four financial institutions in a long-standing shareholders dispute against the chairman of Kyobo Life Insurance Co., Chang-Jae Shin.
  • Advised POSCO E&C in an arbitration related to the development of the $35bn New Songdo International Business District, under development over 5.7m square meters of land reclaimed from the Yellow Sea in the Incheon Free Economic Zone in South Korea.

Shin & Kim

Distinguished by their ‘top-notch‘ and ‘unparalleled', international arbitration practice, the team at Shin & Kim handles the full range of complex arbitration matters. Practice head Jae Min Jeon  leads on commercial arbitration and investor-state disputes, as well as industrial and engineering matters. Youngwon Yoon specialises high-value construction cases, and private equity and joint ventures among other cases within the financial sector. Alberta and Canada-qualified Rockey Yoo advises on a broad spectrum of commercial arbitration matters. Young Suk Park joined from KL Partners in September 2023.

Practice head(s):

Jae Min Jeon


Other key lawyers:

Youngwon Yoon; Rockey Yoo; Young Suk Park


Testimonials

‘Shin & Kim’s international arbitration practice is top-notch. Their seamless coordination between various experts the firm’s efficient and effective dispute resolution strategies would make Shin & Kim a standout in the field. I would commend Shin & Kim for their exceptional expertise in international arbitration and their in-depth understanding of complex cross-border legal matters. ’

‘Shin & Kim’s arbitration practice is unparalleled. Their thorough research on foreign laws and compelling advocacy contributed significantly to our win in a case. Shin & Kim is well known in the market as a go to firm whenever there is a complex case.’

‘Shin & Kim’s ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters is excellent. The team is very skilled, has diverse experience, and is excellent at developing strategies. They have great attention to detail when it comes to the groundwork and has an excellent ability to assist clients with work involving multiple countries. They offer very solid analytical expertise and suggest strategic and practical solutions.

‘Jae Min Jeon has exceptional client service and level of sophistication. His strategic and practical advice has been invaluable in navigating complex international disputes. He is level-headed, considers matters carefully, and is a terrific advocate with a sharp legal mind. His vast knowledge and expertise make him one of the pre-eminent practitioners in Korea.’ 

Key clients

Baring Private Equity Asia


Lone Star Funds


LSF-KEB Holdings SCA


AIG


KCC Group


Korea Western Power Co., Ltd.


K-Water


Dongwon Group


Wemade Entertainment Co., Ltd


FuelCell Energy, Inc.


Industrial Bank of Korea


Hyundai Corporation


Daesung Corporation


Korea Southern Power


IMM Investment


KL Partners

Following its absorption into Baker McKenzie in October 2023, KL Partners‘ highly experienced team continues to specialise in investor-state and complex M&A disputes. Managing partner and firm co-founder Beomsu Kim leads on high-profile investor-state disputes, and frequently represents major Korean conglomerates.  The team also supports major clients within the steel and manufacturing industries. Young Suk Park and Eun Nyung (Ian) Lee departed in September and October 2023 respectively.

Other key lawyers:

Beomsu Kim


Key clients

Lone Star Funds


Elliott Associates, L.P.


Mason Capital L.P. & Mason Management LLC


Lotte Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.


POSCO Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.


Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP

Present in the Korean market through its Hong Kong office, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP‘s highly experienced team sports ‘a deep bench of superb arbitration lawyers,’ who frequently represent major Korean clients in complex arbitration cases. Managing partner of the Hong Kong office and head of the international arbitration practice in Asia, John Rhie handles commercial and investment treaty work, multi-jurisdictional litigation and white collar crime cases. Qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales and Queensland, Duncan Watson KC handles private equity among other financial services, while also working within the energy, manufacturing and intellectual property industries. Senior associate Tom Brebner has extensive experience in private equity disputes and trading, often acting for major Korean clients. Another key team member is Lillian Li, dual qualified in Hong Kong and New York, who handles insolvency related proceedings and public law litigation.

 

Practice head(s):

John Rhie


Other key lawyers:

Duncan Watson KC; Tom Brebner; Lillian Li


Testimonials

‘John Rhie is hands down one of the top arbitration practitioners in Korea and also internationally. His strategic thinking puts him above the rest. ’

‘A deep bench of superb arbitration lawyers, several of whom are fluent in Korean. ’

‘John Rhie is Korean-British, fluent in Korean and handles some of the biggest arbitrations in Korea. He handles them very well and has built a very good team around him. A very polished and effective advocate.’

Key clients

Chang-jae Shin


Schindler Holdings AG


Gen2 Partners Limited


Mirae Asset Global Investments Co., Ltd


POSCO


MBK Partners


Hyundai Heavy Industries, Ltd.


Glenwood Private Equity


Work highlights


  • Advised Chang-jae Shin, the Chairman of Kyobo Life Insurance in two separate international arbitrations at ICC against Affinity consortium and KLI Investors.
  • Advised Schindler Holding AG in an investment treaty arbitration against the state of Korea.
  • Advised Glenwood Private Equity in an arbitration against Baring Private Equity Asia in a broken deal matter.

White & Case LLP (Foreign Legal Consultant Office)

White & Case LLP (Foreign Legal Consultant Office)‘s international disputes practice specialises in construction work, handling high-profile and complex contentious work for a range of major Korean contractors and clients. The team is spearheaded by Singapore-based Matthew Secomb, who handles a range of commercial disputes, while the team advises on strategic and transaction-linked disputes, and contentious matters for blue-chip clients. Another key team member is London-based David Robertson, another construction expert, who also handles work for engineering, energy, and infrastructure projects.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Secomb


Other key lawyers:

David Robertson


Testimonials

 

 

Yoon & Yang LLC

Yoon & Yang LLC’s experienced team handle a broad range of international arbitration matters, with a particular focus on construction, commodities, and intellectual property. The team also handles complex and high-value matters within trading sand insurance. Senior foreign attorney Sam Kim is dual qualified in New York and in Seoul and an expert in energy construction projects, while Junsang Lee advises on investigations in the aerospace industry. Arriving from the Doha office of Pinsent Masons LLP, international construction and arbitration expert Joseph Lee is further bolstering the office from September 2023. California-qualified senior foreign attorney Myung-Ahn Kim is another key team member.

Practice head(s):

Junsang Lee; Myung-Ahn Kim; Sam Kim


 


 


Other key lawyers:

Junsang Lee


Testimonials

‘Sam Kim is a go-to arbitration practitioner who is fast on his feet. His strategic thinking is next level.

Junsang Lee is an elder statesman of the arbitration bar. His legal acumen is top notch. ’

‘Myung-Ahn Kim is professional and reliable.’

Yulchon

Yulchon‘s international arbitration team is headed by esteemed arbitration counsel and arbitrator Yun Jae Baek, who in addition to his counsel work is currently serving as an arbitrator number of arbitral institutions, including the Korean Commercial Arbitration Board and the ICC. Jeonghye Sophie Ahn handles a range of corporate and commercial disputes, including matters with intellectual property and media elements. Jae Hyong Woo deals with treaty arbitration cases, international construction projects and pharmaceuticals. Woo Suk Jung is another key team member, who handles a broad range of commercial arbitrations.

Practice head(s):

Yun Jae Baek; Jeonghye Sophie Ahn


Other key lawyers:

Jae Hyong Woo; Woo Suk Jung


Key clients

KT


Hyundai Engineering & Construction


Daelim Industrial


APEX Group


Siemens AG


POSCO Daewoo


Republic of Korea


Hanwha Corp.


GS Engineering & Construction


POSCO


Clifford Chance

Continuing to advise from its Hong Kong office, the team at Clifford Chance handles a wide range of multi-jurisdictional arbitrations relating to Korea, particularly in the oil and gas, and construction industries. Thomas Walsh in Singapore leads the Korean disputes practice, with expertise in post M&A, private equity and tech-related disputes. Paul Sandosham - managing partner of the firm's Singapore venture Cavenagh Law - specialises in energy, infrastructure and resources disputes for South East Asia, and Sachin Trikha, advising from the London office, is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Thomas Walsh


 


Other key lawyers:

Jason Fry KC; Paul Sandosham; Sachin Trikha


Work highlights


  • Advised POSCO E&C in an ICC arbitration concerning a USD 2.7 billion dispute arising out of the construction and development of a new “smart” city near Incheon, Korea.

Clyde & Co Clasis Singapore

Advising from their office in Singapore, Clyde & Co Clasis Singapore is co-headed by Ik Wei Chong, the managing partner and director who focuses on shipping and marine insurance, Eugene Tan, and Nicholas Sykes who handles property and energy insurance, and large scale engineering and construction disputes. The team specialises in project disputes within the insurance, shipping, and shipbuilding industries, with arbitration experience under a range of arbitral rules including the Singapore International Arbitration Centre. Sean Hardy is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Ik Wei Chong; Eugene Tan; Nicholas Sykes


Other key lawyers:

Sean Hardy


Jipyong LLC

Jipyong LLC‘s international arbitration practice stands out for its involvement in multijurisdictional civil and post-arbitration lawsuits. Team head Jinhee Kim leads on notable cross-border litigation and antitrust cases. Gee Hong Kim assists in representing major Korean and international clients before domestic and international courts. Another key member of the team is Bernard K. Ham, who has expertise in pharma sector matters.

Practice head(s):

Jinhee Kim


Other key lawyers:

Gee Hong Kim; Bernard K. Ham; Yong Ik Lee


Testimonials

‘Jinhee Kim is a very smart individual with many solutions as the situation changes. Very impressive when she leads the case.’ 

‘Yong Ik Lee is very helpful in setting the timeline for each case. A stable and calm person who handled the task one by one, so there was no time we had to rush on submitting something. ’

‘The firm is a positive mix Korean and Western practices. They have knowledge and skill in Korean litigation, but are also adaptable in an international disputes environment. ’

Key clients

Daiso Industries Co., Ltd.


JTBC Plus Corporation


Mirae Asset Securities Co., Ltd. as Trustee


ICURE Pharmaceutical, Co., Ltd.


Lotte Cultureworks


Kukbo, Co., Ltd.


Hyundai L&C Corporation


AU Optronics


Weltech Co., Ltd.


Mayer Brown

After expanding its international arbitration practice in 2022, Mayer Brown‘s team continues to be active in the energy and power sectors, with two of the recent arrivals still involved with longstanding defence procurement and construction-related arbitrations. The practice is jointly led by managing partner Yu-Jin Tay, Menachem Hasofer, and Geoffrey Chan, and the team handles the full-range of renewable power and natural resources related disputes. With two decades of international arbitration experience, Kay-Jannes Wegner joined from Kim & Chang in May 2022, and focuses on cross-border disputes in telecommunications and joint ventures. Senior associate Edern Coent also joined from the same firm in April 2022.

Practice head(s):

Yu-Jin Tay; Menachem Hasofer; Geoffrey Chan


Other key lawyers:

Kay-Jannes Wagner; Edern Coent