TMT: local firms in South Korea

Kim & Chang

Kim & Chang continues to advise a broad range of IT, broadcasting and telecoms companies in Korea, and is a firm ‘composed of experts who understand the industry well.’ The team handles cross-border transactions and engages various regulatory agencies on complex legal issues, and recently acted for MBK Partners in the acquisition of shares in Koreacenter Co., Ltd. Dong Shik Choi heads the TMT practice, and is a prominent figure in the Korean TMT market, focusing on a wide range of IT, telecoms and broadcasting transactions and regulatory matters. Brian C. OH is a senior foreign attorney and a leader of the TMT practice group, who advises on complex and high-profile disputes. The team continues to expand with three new additions of foreign attorneys.

Practice head(s):

Dong Shik Choi


Other key lawyers:

Brian C. Oh; Hyun Ho Eun; Min Chul Park; Seong-Hyeon Bang; San Kang


Testimonials

‘The team is composed of experts who understand the industry well and allocate the necessary resources appropriately for each task to produce effective results. In addition to regulatory issues, they also provide solutions for other general legal issues through appropriate collaboration.’

‘Kim & Chang, as the best law firm in Korea, has full capabilities and resources to handle various matters and issues around the TMT business area.’

‘Seong-hyeon Bang is one of the best senior attorneys in Korea, who handles complicated issues around the TMT business area and provides practical and helpful advice to the client.’

‘San Kang is extremely dedicated to the client’s needs and also has great legal expertise and insight in the TMT practice area.’

Key clients

Microsoft


SK Telecom


LG Uplus


Yanolja Co., Ltd.


Wemakeprice Inc.


D’live


Krafton


Entegris, Inc.


Korea E-Commerce Holdings, Inc.


Poshmark Inc.


Work highlights


  • Advised Entegris, Inc. in the Korea merger filing for its USD 6.5bn acquisition of CMC Materials, Inc.
  • Acted for MBK Partners in the acquisition of existing shares of Koreacenter Co.,Ltd. from individual Shareholders, subscription of new shares, convertible bond, and bond with warrants.
  • Advised Yanolja Co., Ltd. in its KRW 301,100,000,000 acquisition of 70% stake in Interpark Corporation (NewCo), established through spin-off of Interpark’s E-commerce business.

Yulchon

Yulchon manages to ‘think creatively and look for alternative lines of argument.’ The team advises on a wide range of  TMT matters, including corporate transaction and finance regulations, as well as in new and emerging technology fields such as AI, Big Data, and BlockChain. Practice head Doil Son has handles a comprehensive range of TMT issues and M&A transactions, and contributes to government projects dealing with artificial intelligence. Seung Hyuck Han is an expert in both TMT and antitrust matters, and Sun Hee Kim specialises in data, e-commerce, technology, and fintech.

Practice head(s):

Doil Son


Other key lawyers:

Seung Hyuck Han; Sun Hee Kim; Jeong Won Kim


Testimonials

‘The Yulchon team is great on data protection matters, and they think creatively and look for alternative lines of arguments.’

‘Sun Hee Kim and Doil Son are excellent.’

Key clients

Naver Corp.


Skylife TV Co. Ltd


Media Genie Co. Ltd


KT Corp


Korea Cable Tv Association


LG HelloVision


Woori Home Shopping Co. Ltd


Gwangju Technopark


Hyundai Motor Company


Kakao Corp.


Korean Intellectual Property Office


Knorr Bremse


Vestiaire Collective


Work highlights


Bae, Kim & Lee LLC

Bae, Kim & Lee LLC, whose ‘commitment to keeping up with the latest trends in the technology sector is extraordinary,’ has notable experience in regulatory licenses, legislative consulting and contentious matters. The team is increasingly advising on personal information protection issues and AI-mandates. Practice head Tae Uk Kang has expertise in the broadcasting and video-game industries, as well as with leading app operators. Kwang Hyun Ryoo focuses on telecoms regulation. The group also includes Ji Yeon Park, an expert in telecoms and broadcast sectors, and Juho Yoon who handles data breach incident responses.

Practice head(s):

Tae Uk Kang


Other key lawyers:

Kwang Hyun Ryoo; Ji Yeon Park; Juho Yoon; Kyungtae Ma


Testimonials

‘The team’s commitment to keeping up with the latest trends in the technology sector is extraordinary.’

Key clients

Kakao Corp.


KT Corp.


KT Sat


LG Uplus


MAN Truck & Bus Korea


Meta Platforms, Inc.


Samsung SDS


Spotify


Tesla Korea


Uber Technologies Inc.


Work highlights


  • Advising UT LLC, a joint venture company of Uber Technologies and T-Map Mobility, on regulatory issues in connection with its mobility business in Korea.
  • Advised Spotify on many regulatory matters including data privacy and content moderation.
  • Advised Samsung SDS on its establishing AI governance framework for NH Nonghyup Bank.

Jipyong LLC

Jipyong LLC handles a broad range of mandates from traditional IP disputes and litigation to unfair competition. Practice head Jeong Kyu Choe counts major domestic media companies as key clients and excels telecoms regulatory work. So Young Lee handles IP rights and fintech matters and Mun Hui Kim acts for Korean broadcasting stations, investment and distribution companies, and film production companies on IP-related disputes.

Practice head(s):

Jeong Kyu Choe


Other key lawyers:

So Young Lee; Mun Hui Kim; Jong Heo


Testimonials

‘Jipyong is well known for its expertise accumulated for years in the broadcasting and entertainment industry with various track records in the practices. They have extensive expertise and an accurate understanding of regulatory trends in the TMT sector. Jipyong has excellence in providing prompt and accurate opinions, client-friendly services, and its commitment to clients.’

‘Mun Hui Kim is a lawyer specialising in IPR matters involving copyright, trademark, unfair competition prevention, trade secret protection, and entertainment law. She regularly advises our company on various issues based on her broad experience and outstanding expertise in the said practices’.

Key clients

JTBC Discovery Inc.


Artificial Intelligence Cluster Agency


National IT Industry Promotion Agency


Studio Dragon Corporation;


KBS


Musicow, Inc.


The Minister of Science and ICT


SM Entertainment, Netflix, BH Entertainment, Saram Entertainment, Keyeast


Keyeast


Korea Transportation Safety Authority


SM Entertainment


Work highlights


  • Represented JTBC Discovery Inc. in its claim against KLPGT for preservation of the provisional position of the candidates subject to the second examination and assessment in a bidding for selection of the business eligible for KLPGT broadcasting rights and suspension of the said bidding process.
  • Acted for AICA in the provision of consulting services to AI start-ups with respect to issues concerning personal data protection and other regulations applicable to AI companies.

Lee & Ko

Lee & Ko’s broad TMT practice handles regulatory, licensing, transactions, and disputes. The team is jointly led by Soon-Yub Samuel Kwon, Kwang Bae Park, and Jongsoo (Jay) Yoon. Kwon has extensive experience in advising domestic and international clients in the technology and telecoms fields. Park ‘consistently delivers outstanding services to his clients’ and focuses on data protection, privacy, cyber security, IT, and Fintech matters, as does Yoon who also advises on IP matters. Other key names to note include Ju Bong Jang, Hwan Kyoung Ko, and Tae Joo Kim.

 

Practice head(s):

Soon Yub (Samuel) Kwon; Kwang Bae Park; Jongsoo (Jay) Yoon


Other key lawyers:

Ju Bong Jang; Hwan Kyoung Ko; Hyun Jun Kim; Sunghee Chae; Tae Joo Kim; Il Shin Lee


Testimonials

‘The team possesses accurate knowledge of the field and provides comprehensive legal analysis, considering the overall aspects. For longstanding clients, they respond with dedication and sincerity, backed by loyalty.’

‘Tae-Joo Kim is young, yet a confident and capable attorney. He strives to offer the best advice consistently in terms of comprehensive risk assessment. Beyond mere legal analysis, he is an excellent business partner who provides advice from the perspective of comprehensive risk management for companies.’

‘The Lee & Ko TMT team sets itself apart from other law firms with its profound theoretical and practical understanding of personal and credit information. Within the firm, specialized teams collaborate seamlessly, ensuring the highest quality of work. For major litigation in Korea concerning personal information, it’s essential to have a balanced team of attorneys excelling in litigation and those proficient in personal information practice. To this end, Lee & Ko has recruited several former judges renowned for their exceptional professional knowledge and skills. Together with TMT team lawyers, they form a distinctive team that handles the company’s litigation.

‘Mr. Kwang Bae Park is among the top IT and privacy lawyers in Korea. He consistently delivers outstanding services to his clients, drawing from his sharp intuition, profound understanding of the practice, and extensive experience in the field. On the other hand, Mr. Il Shin Lee’s in-depth knowledge of personal and credit information, combined with his meticulousness and dedication to delving deep into individual issues, is something any client would highly value. Such qualities are hard to find in lawyers at other firms.’

‘Lee & Kim is the team with the highest expertise in the field of TMT, especially in the field of personal information protection and information security among domestic law firms. I think professional leadership and research capabilities to fully support it are superior to other law firms.’

‘Lee & Ko’s TMT team is one of the most sophisticated and top-notch legal professional team in Korea. The team is composed of talented lawyers and experts who are well-versed in the market trends and up-to-date regulations. Whenever our company needs a solution for complicated legal and regulatory issues, Lee & Ko’s TMT team is the best business partner with its comprehensive solutions touching the core.’

‘The lawyers and experts in Lee & Ko’s TMT team are highly competent and dedicated to providing the best legal services to the client. They also show a deep understanding of not only the legal but also policy issues surrounding the contemporary telecommunications markets in Korea. We can always rely on their expertise and knowledge with our complicated legal and regulatory issues.’

Key clients

SK Telecom Co., Ltd.


Google LLC, Google Korea LLC


Marriott International, Inc.


Volkswagen Group Korea


Globalstar, Inc.


Zynga Inc., Peak Oyun Yazilim ve Pazarlama AS


SK Broadband Co., Ltd.


Naver Corporation


LG Electronics Inc.


Samsung Securities Co., Ltd.


Dunamu Inc.


LG Uplus Corp.


CJ ENM Co., Ltd.


Coupang Corp.


Gmarket Inc.


Coinone Inc.


Korbit Inc.


Korea Credit Bureau


Kakao Page Corp.


T Map Mobility Co., Ltd.


LG Chem, Ltd.


Shinhan Financial Group Co., Ltd.


Woori Bank


Kyobo Life Insurance


Work highlights


  • Advised Naver Corporation (“Naver”), Gmarket Corporation (formerly, Gmarket Global LLC, “Gmarket”) in a lawsuit to appeal the Personal Information Protection Commission’s decision to sanction online shopping platform operators.
  • Advised T Map Mobility Co., Ltd. on its acquisition of Logisoft.
  • Represented Dunamu Inc., Korbit Inc., Coinone Inc. in a lawsuit related to the decision of the major Korean cryptocurrency exchanges to delist the WEMIX cryptocurrency from their exchanges.

Shin & Kim

Shin & Kim continues to advise domestic and international clients on complex issues surrounding broadcasting, IT, and telecoms. Sinook Kang, who has broad expertise in broadcasting and internet regulatory issues, heads the team which saw the arrivals of Yeon Ah Chung who focuses on AI, cryptocurrency, and the metaverse, and Joon Yong Park who advises a broad range of clients including domestic start-ups and well-established international companies. Jeong Ho Ahn‘s expertise spans M&A transactions, privacy regulations, and disputes arising out of data leaks.

Practice head(s):

Sinook Kang


Other key lawyers:

Yeon Ah Chung; Joon Yong Park; Jeong Ho Ahn; Jung-hyun Hwang; Hyunie Kim


Testimonials

‘Shin & Kim’s TMT team is exceptional in the legal industry because they are experts in telecommunications, media, and technology. Their experienced team knows the laws inside out and even has connections with regulators, making them stand out. They handle complex issues well, providing comprehensive solutions for their clients.

‘Potential clients will love working with Shin & Kim’s TMT team because they put clients first. They are super responsive and always ready to help with any questions or problems.’ 

‘Sinook Kang has a unique edge with his background in telecommunications and regulatory affairs, along with strong industry connections. He provides tailored and up-to-date advice thanks to his close ties with relevant government officials.’

‘Jeong Ho Ahn excels in data privacy, ensuring clients comply with laws and protect customer data. He stays updated on the latest developments, making him invaluable to clients.’

‘The standout individuals in the team are proactive, knowledgeable, and can navigate complex regulations effectively. They go above and beyond to understand clients’ needs and influence favorable policies. Their professionalism and responsiveness create a positive and productive partnership.’

‘Junghyun Hwang is one of the best attorneys in Shin & Kim. He has always been dedicated to his work and is a good lawyer who knows how to serve his colleagues.’

‘Yeon-Ah Chung had worked as in-house counsel and has pioneered in the role, comprehensively handling almost all issues that can arise in IT firms. Her experience and expertise are deeply impressive.’ 

Key clients

William Grant & Sons Ltd


Coupang Pay


NS Shopping Co., Ltd.


Roblox Corporation


SK Broadband


NAVER Cloud Corp.


Honda Korea Co., Ltd.


Kakao Entertainment


KT Corporation


Airbnb


Coupang


Work highlights


Yoon & Yang LLC

Yoon & Yang LLC’s recently expanded new technology practice group oversees traditional regulatory issues concerning broadcasting and telecoms as well as newly generated issues concerning privacy and data protection. The team is led by Kwang-Wook Lee who focuses on matters concerning new technologies including AI, fintech, and IoT. Keun Woo Lee ’s main practice areas include privacy protection, trade secrets protections in e-commerce and technology, and IP protection. Sugyoung Yi’s expertise includes broadcasting and information & communication. The team welcomed former prosecutor Geonyoung Koh in March 2023.

Practice head(s):

Kwang-Wook Lee


Other key lawyers:

Keun Woo Lee; Sugyoung Yi; Dong Hee Kang; Jongsang Lee; Kyu Woong Cho; Geonyoung Koh


Testimonials

‘Yoon & Yang LLC is an outstanding firm. Its accuracy, depth, and quality of legal services are impressive. ’

The team of Yoon & Yang LLC is unique in that no matter how urgent short-term needs seem, they know how to balance between client’s short-term and long-term priorities. This ability is crucial nowadays in that the business environment is constantly changing. To adapt to the rapidly changing environment, and who are seeking business strategies in these circumstances, Yoon & Yang lawyers are the right choice for our business. For clients who are looking for legal advice to be delivered in combination with significant industry and sector knowledge, Yoon & Yang LLC is a perfect match.’

Keun Woo Lee’s strategic thinking and strong communication skills are very impressive.’

Key clients

Microsoft Korea


WEMIX PTE. LTD.


WEMADE


Cyworld Z


RADWARE KOREA


Google


SK Telecom


LG U+


CJ Olive


Robert Bosch


Work highlights


  • Represented WEMIX (a Singapore subsidiary of WEMADE) seeking a provisional injunction against the delisting of Wemix tokens.
  • Represented Cyworld Z in a civil action raised by Beta Labs against Cyworld Z, seeking a provisional injunction against the issuance of NFTs and virtual assets.
  • Advised WEMADE on issues concerning business models that incorporate virtual assets into blockchain-based games.