Young Kyun Cho > Kim & Chang > Seoul, South Korea > Lawyer Profile
Kim & Chang Offices
39 SAJIK-RO 8-GIL
JONGNO-GU
SEOUL 03170
South Korea
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Young Kyun Cho
Work Department
Financing; Project Finance; Energy; Banking
Career
Young Kyun Cho is a senior attorney at Kim & Chang, who focuses his practice primarily in aircraft finance, project finance, energy, and banking.
Mr. Cho has advised numerous clients, including major domestic and foreign banks, non-bank financial investors, and major domestic companies on project financing, aircraft financing, commercial banking, corporate financing, and structured financing matters. In particular, he is known for his vast amount of experience in domestic and offshore project financing, and has advised numerous banks, asset management companies and insurance companies.
Also, Mr. Cho routinely advises construction and engineering companies, having advised on most major domestic infrastructure projects for toll roads, railways, ports, and power plants. Since the early 1990’s, Mr. Cho has advised offshore lenders and lessors, including the US Ex-Im Bank and the ECA, in all of the major aircraft financing transactions in Korea.
He has co-authored various publications, including “Getting the Deal Through – Aviation Finance & Leasing 2014: Korea chapter / Project Finance 2016: Korea chapter” (Law Business Research, 2014 & 2015).
Mr. Cho has been recognized as a “Market Leader” by Euromoney’s IFLR1000 for five consecutive years, and a “Leading Individual” by Legalease in 2016 and 2020. For four consecutive years, Chambers and Partners has named him a “Leading Individual” in banking and finance (from 2017 to 2021).
Mr. Cho received his LL.M. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1994, and in 1985, he received his bachelor’s degree from Seoul National University, College of Law. He graduated from the Judicial Research and Training Institute of the Supreme Court of Korea in 1988, and also attended the Graduate School of Law, Seoul National University in 1987.
He is admitted to the Korean bar.
Languages
Korean and English
Memberships
Admitted to bar, Korea, 1988
Education
University of Pennsylvania Law School (LL.M., 1994)
Judicial Research and Training Institute of the Supreme Court of Korea (1988)
Graduate School of Law, Seoul National University (1987)
Seoul National University (LL.B., 1985)
Lawyer Rankings
South Korea > Banking and finance: local firms
Kim & Chang excels in a comprehensive spectrum of banking and finance matters, notably in cross-border transactions, with recent experience in aviation finance, and project financing in the energy sector. Its distinctive team with ‘extensive experience in various matters’ combines seasoned Korean lawyers, foreign-licensed professionals, former regulators, and industry specialists, ensuring a versatile approach to client needs. Led by Kye Sung Chung, the team offers extensive expertise in advising both foreign and domestic financial institutions on commercial and investment banking, alongside regulatory matters. Key individuals include Ick Ryol Huh, known for his work in project and acquisition financing, and Young Kyun Cho, who advises major banks and non-bank financial investors. Young Min Kim focuses on multinational transactions, while Ie Hwan Yoo provides insights on securities regulations. Sang Jin Ahn specialises in project finance, representing top international corporations in complex regulatory landscapes.
South Korea > Projects and energy: local firms
(Leading partners)Kim & Chang’s energy practice advises a range of clients, including private sector sponsors, investors, state-owned entities, construction firms, and financial institutions. The team handles a broad range of projects, including utilities, renewables, oil and gas, nuclear, and mining, with a focus on non-recourse financing and cross-border transactions. Its expertise spans the full scope of transactional and development work, supported by the firm’s regulatory, compliance, and dispute resolution practices. Co-heads Yon-Kyun Oh and Ick Ryol Huh lead the team with distinct strengths. Oh specialises in energy, natural resources, and LNG transactions, focusing on renewables and regulatory matters. Huh is recognised for his expertise in project and acquisition finance, particularly in infrastructure and power. Key members include Young Kyun Cho, who advises financial institutions and construction companies, and foreign attorneys John Sangho Park and Chang-hee Shin, who bring cross-border M&A and project finance experience.
Lawyer Rankings
- Banking and finance: local firms South Korea
- Leading partners South Korea > Projects and energy: local firms
- Projects and energy: local firms South Korea
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Antitrust and competition: local firms
- Banking and finance: local firms
- Capital markets: local firms
- Corporate and M&A: local firms
- Dispute resolution: local firms
- Fintech and financial services regulatory: local firms
- Insurance: local firms
- Intellectual property: local firms
- International arbitration
- Labour and employment: local firms
- Projects and energy: local firms
- Real estate: local firms
- Regulatory: white-collar, compliance and investigations: local firms
- Shipping: local firms
- Tax: local firms
- TMT: local firms