Yoon & Yang LLC > Seoul, South Korea > Firm Profile

Yoon & Yang LLC
18,19, 22, 23, 34 FLOORS, ASEM TOWER
517 YEONGDONG-DAERO, GANGNAM-GU
SEOUL 06164
South Korea

South Korea > Antitrust and competition: local firms Tier 2

Yoon & Yang LLC is routinely instructed in cartels, mergers, resale price maintenance, and unfair business practices, both as advisory counsel and in litigation in the Korean and foreign courts. Managing partner Hoil Yoon has several decades of experience handling high-profile investigations, often brought before the KFTC. Seong-Sig Kim is the other key figure who handles business combinations, cartels and unfair trade practices. Song Ryu advises on corporate leniency programs, merger clearance and internal audits/investigations.

Practice head(s):

Hoil Yoon

Other key lawyers:

Seong-Sig Kim; Song Ryu

Testimonials

‘The team has various strengths and capabilities in this area. Each of the team member has great knowledge and know-how. The team is a great team work and has great communication skills with FTC. ‘

‘The valuable quality of the team members is their mental strength. They look ahead and foresee the potential issues ahead, and ably guide and protect the clients through claims with FTC.’

 

Key clients

Microsoft

Samsung Electronics

Cathay Pacific Airways

SK Hynix, SK E&S

Korean Air

Raytheon Technologies Corporation

British America Tobacco Korea

Qualcomm

Hanwha Corp.

Work highlights

  • Representing Qualcomm in its Supreme Court appeal to KFTC’s imposition of fines arising out of its alleged abuse of licensing practices in South Korea.
  • Successfully represented Hyundai Steel in KFTC investigations for alleged steel scrap purchase price cartels among steel makers in South Korea.
  • Represented both Sejin Metal and Hanyung Metal  in investigations on multiple cartel conducts of steel manufacturers. Among such conducts, the KFTC imposed an administrative fine of a total of KRW 20.6 billion on eight companies that rigged the bid held by Hyundai Motor Company from 2011 to 2021 for the purchase of aluminium alloy products.

South Korea > Capital markets: local firms Tier 2

Yoon & Yang LLC is a well-known powerhouse in advising clients on capital markets regulations in Korea, led by Soonghee Lee, an expert in financial disputes and regulations. Practice head Young Ho Kang specialises in transactions in equity and debt markets, and he led the overseas debt issuance transactions for Korean banks including Korea Exim Bank’s overseas note issuance. Sung Woon Kang is also recommended for cross-border mandates; his experience includes advising 3NOD Digital, the first foreign company listed on the Korea Exchange, with its listing in Korea, as well as Chinese, UK, and US companies for their listings

Practice head(s):

Young Ho Kang

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘I believe that the people from Y&Y are professional, experienced and overall outstanding. Y&Y provides us with timely, commercial and detail-orientated advisors.’

‘Sung-Woon Kang is very professional with the deep knowledge and understanding. His feedback is always timely, client-orientated, thorough and detailed.’

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

Work highlights

  • Advising Mirae Asset Securities, KB Securities and Goldman Sachs as joint managers for the public offering and listing of Hyundai Engineering on the KOSPI market.
  • Advising US bio-tech company Avellino Lab USA on its public offering and listing on the KOSDAQ market.  
  • Successfully advised Hyundai Department Store in its issuance of approximately US $30 million amount US Dollar denominated bond offering guaranteed by MUFG Bank in Japan.

South Korea > Dispute resolution: local firms Tier 2

Comprising a sizable number of former members of the judiciary and top industry specialists, Yoon & Yang LLC continues to expand its dispute resolution bench strength with the strategic hires of Seung-Ku Hong to bolster its contentious construction offering, and joined by insurance litigator, Chongsu Seo and experienced IP prosecutor, Changkwon Kim. Seung Ryong Yoo is an esteemed advocate in corporate, civil, criminal and commercial proceedings, as well as family litigation. Criminal defence lawyer Young Min Seo and banking litigator Sue Yeon Woo are also of note.

Practice head(s):

Seung Ryong Yoo; Hee Sik Yoon; Keon Joo Cho; Youbum Kim; Kyung In Jung

Other key lawyers:

Seung-Ku Hong; Chongsu Seo; Changkwon Kim; Young Min Seo; Kyoung Ho Hong; Sue Yeon Woo

Testimonials

‘Yoon & Yang offers an impressive range of services. Their skilful lawyers have a wide network of overseas connections and all have outstanding capabilities. Legal opinions are given very fast, very responsive and efficient communication, and a pleasure to work with.’

‘Yoon & Yang is among the top law firms in Korea. We are very happy with the performance of the team and the firms’ overall expertise in a diverse range of disciplines.’

‘The most impressive part of working with Kyoung Ho Hong is that he is incredibly skilled at understanding the nexus of the issue, offering practical and commercial solutions and clearly communicating the plan of action, to lead to a successful result.’

Key clients

SK Innovation

Kolon Life Science

Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL)

Korea Land & Housing Corporation

Hanjin KAL

Samsung C&T

Samsung Electronic Services

Woori Bank

Shinhan Bank

NH Bank

GS Engineering & Construction

Work highlights

  • Represented Kolon Life Science, an affiliate of Korean conglomerate, Kolon Group, in administrative proceedings, defending class action lawsuits, defending criminal investigations and financial authorities’ examination, against a competitor in the life sciences market.
  • Successfully represented Sohn Tae-seung, CEO of Woori Bank in the administrative lawsuits seeking a revocation of Financial Supervisory Service (FSS)’s disciplinary imposition.
  • Successfully defended British American Tobacco Korea Ltd and two of its executives in criminal litigations in charges of tax evasion.

South Korea > Intellectual property: local firms Tier 2

With expertise in patents, trade secrets, copyright and trade mark disputes and prosecution, Yoon & Yang LLC is particularly sought after by Korean technology, media and life sciences companies. Its most senior partners, Wonil Kim and Dongju Kwon retain their top reputation in patent infringement and invalidation proceedings. Chang Woo Lee and Sejung Lee are also active in patent litigation. Keun Woo Lee is an IP transactional and regulatory advisor focusing on trade secrets, copyright, e-commerce and data privacy.

Practice head(s):

Wonil Kim

Other key lawyers:

Dongju Kwon; Keun Woo Lee; Chang Woo Lee

Key clients

SK Innovation

Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.

W-Scope

SK hynix

SK bioscience

SK Chemicals

Hanmi Pharm

Kolon Life Science

Meditox

Kumho Petrochemical

SK Shipping

Hyundai Mobis

Otis Elevator Companty

Sumitomo Chemical

Toyota Motor Corporation

Dyson Technology

REG Life Sciences

HITE Jinro

E-mart

Work highlights

  • Represented SK Innovation in the trade secret and patent disputes between the client and LG Chem before the Korean courts and assisted the client in the trade secret and patent disputes between the parties before the United States International Trade Commission and the United States District Court of the District of Delaware in collaboration with the client’s local counsel, Covington & Burling and Jones Day.
  • Represented and advised Merck, Sharp and Dohme in the patent disputes between the client and Pfizer/Wyeth before the Korea Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board and Korean courts over Wyeth’s patents relating to pneumococcal polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccines.
  • Represented SK Chemicals in the patent dispute raised by Novartis alleging that SK Chemicals infringement its patent relating to Exelon Patch. The district court ruled in favour of SK Chemicals, and Novartis’s appeal is pending before the Patent Court.

South Korea > Labour and employment: local firms Tier 2

Yoon & Yang LLC‘s employment practice is well-balanced between advisory and litigation services, and is instructed by Korean and foreign clients on issues such illegal worker dispatch and workplace discrimination investigations. It also demonstrates capabilities advising on cross-border M&A and supporting employers with establishing performance-based salary systems. Litigator Young Soon Kwon; investigations expert Hyunsu Shin, and health and safety partner Jae Chul Ko, have joined the practice. Managing partner Sang Hoon Park , practice head Tae Hwan Oh and litigator, Seong Hong , are the other key figures.

Practice head(s):

Tae Hwan Oh

Other key lawyers:

Young Soon Kwon; Hyunsu Shin; Jae Chul Ko; Sang Hoon Park; Seong Hong

Testimonials

‘They are really detail-oriented and look into all diverse aspects of the issue for a client. The most important is their legal assessment has excellent quality. Their legal assessment was very accurate and touched every relevant law. Efficient advice.’

‘Yoon & Yang’s positive attributes are its speed and accuracy. Yoon & Yang’s legal services are very concise, with its legal opinions streamlined with core arguments and conclusions, making them easier to understand.’

Key clients

Samsung Electronics

Samsung C&T Corp.

HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY

Kia Motors Corporation

SK Hynix Inc.

Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd.

British American Tobacco Korea

IBM Korea

GM Korea

AstraZeneca Korea

Work highlights

  • Currently advising all Samsung Group affiliates on the comprehensive HR issues including holding numerous sessions at Yoon & Yang Academy for the HR managers of all Samsung Group affiliates.
  • Successful representation for Hyundai Motor Company in the litigations claimed by subcontractors’ workers regarding the protection of dispatched workers in South Korea.
  • Currently advising CJ Group, Samsung Group, DL E&C on the newly enacted Serious Accident Punishment Act in Korea.

South Korea > TMT: local firms Tier 2

Kwang-Wook Lee heads the TMT department at Yoon & Yang LLC, where he is recognised for his expertise in various emerging technologies. Keun Woo Lee is the lead partner for mandates involving e-commerce, data privacy and trade secrets. Sugyoung Yi is the main contact for broadcasting and telecom clients, while Se Bin Song handles works in the media and entertainment sectors.

Practice head(s):

Kwang-Wook Lee

Other key lawyers:

Keun Woo Lee; Sugyoung Yi; Se Bin Song

Key clients

Qualcomm

TCAST

Korea Broadcasting System (KBS)

Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC)

Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS)

BTC Korea.com

British American Tobacco Korea

D’Live

SK Telecom

Chanel

Cargill Agri Purina

Heineken Korea

Galderma Korea

Netflix

Viacom

Hyundai Homeshopping

NAVER Financial Corporation

Work highlights

  • In connection with non-fungible token (NFT) and Metaverse businesses, assisted Line Corp, on whether NFT transactions in an NFT business model can be considered a virtual asset for anti-money laundering purposes under the Act on Reporting and related copyright issues.
  • Represented TCAST in its dispute with LG Hellovision regarding channel use fees.
  • Advised KBS, MBC, SBS, three major terrestrial broadcasting companies in Korea filed a complaint against LGU+, an IPTV operator in Korea, claiming damages for payments under a contents supply contract.

South Korea > Banking and finance: local firms Tier 3

Continuing to rapidly develop its bench strength across the full spread of banking and finance work, Yoon & Yang LLC recruited partners Chongsu Seo (from Shin & Kim) and Chang Hun Han (from the Financial Supervisory Service), who will grow the financial regulatory-related offering. Soonghee Lee and Young Ho Kang are the standout figures for banking and securities regulations, while Bo Hyun Lee is active in real estate finance transactions.

Practice head(s):

Young Ho Kang

Other key lawyers:

Chang Hun Han; Chongsu Seo; Bo Hyun Lee; Soonghee Lee

Key clients

The Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM)

Shinhan Bank,

Woori Bank

KEB Hana Bank

KB Securities

Hanwha Investment & Securities

NH Investment Securities

Kiwoom Securities

Work highlights

  • Korean counsel to The Counsel to Export-Import Bank of Korea in connection with the update of the Global Medium Term Note Programme which provides for the issuance of up to US$ 27.5 billion in aggregate principal amount of global medium term notes.
  • Advised Hyundai Department Store in connection with the issuance of the U.S Dollar Bonds guaranteed by MUFG Bank and for qualified institutional investors in Japan.

South Korea > Corporate and M&A: local firms Tier 3

Yoon & Yang LLC is well-equipped to handle all manner of corporate, commercial and private equity transactions in its key sectors of aviation, energy, and heavy industries. It also reports an uptick in instruction in the emerging fields of ESG management. Sung-Jin Kim is highlighted for his ‘remarkable expertise in a diverse range of corporate issues.’ Sangman Kim is recommended for joint ventures establishment, domestic and overseas investment. Additional assistance is provided by Kayoung Kim, Hyerim Kang and associate Jae Young Yu. In March 2023, the practice was bolstered by the arrival of three senior foreign attorneys; Song Feng Hong joined from Bae, Kim & Lee LLC, Jason Lee joined from Kim & Chang and Sung Jin Ro arrived from an in-house role at Versum Materials.

Practice head(s):

Sung-Jin Kim

Testimonials

‘Yoon & Yang has many great lawyers. Good cooperation between departments, effective and clear in communication and provides useful practical tailor-made advice.’

‘Sangman Kim is not only very experienced and knowledgeable on corporate and M&A legal matters, but also very honest and reliable on the assessment of the issues and finding solutions. Very trustworthy and a safe pair of hands for difficult legal challenges.’

‘Ms. Kayoung Kim is a diligent, intelligent and brilliant lawyer. I am impressed by her work ethic and her priority for clients. She is incredibly responsive, and her answers are not complicated, but simple and efficient.’

‘Sung-Jin Kim is the most trustworthy partner whom I can always count on. He has abundant experience in various types of M&A transactions and remarkable expertise in diverse corporate issues.’ 

‘Hyerim Kang is another leading figure that I can rely on in overseas M&As. She is capable of dealing with every detail of the issues and absorbing new information very quickly but accurately. A very professional negotiator.’

‘Jae Young Yu is the diligent associate of the Team. She has a good memory and even pays attention to the most trivial part of every piece of work. Her active personality makes her grow fast, rapidly gaining experience in various areas, which makes her a promising lawyer.’

Key clients

Hanssem

Hanwha Life Insurance

Korean Air

Hanjin KAL

UAMCO

Dongbu Corporation consortium

SK Ecoplant (formerly SK Engineering & Construction)

NAVER Webtoon

Premier Partners

Metanet Mplatform

Work highlights

  • Advised Hanssem, the Korea’s largest furniture company on the KRW 1.45 trillion sales of its shares and management rights to IMM Private Equity.
  • Advised United Asset Management Company  on its KRW 657 billion acquisition of STX Offshore & Shipbuilding, a major Korean shipbuilding company.
  • Advised Hanjin KAL, a holding company of South Korea’s air transportation conglomerate Hanjin Group in its sales of shares in Jin Air, a group’s low cost carrier to Korean Air.

South Korea > Insurance: local firms Tier 3

Yoon & Yang LLC‘s managing partner Myung Soo Lee utilises his experience at the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) to assist domestic and foreign insurers in licensing, regulatory work and representation in investigations. The practice is head by corporate lawyer Hwang Lim Jang , who also has significant experience in insurance law. A recent hire from the FSS, Chang Hun Han focuses on insurance litigation and regulation.

Practice head(s):

Hwanglim Jang

Other key lawyers:

Myung Soo Lee; Chang Hun Han

Key clients

Hanwha Life Insurance Co., Ltd., Hanwha Life Financial Services

KB Insurance Co.,Ltd.

Samsung Life Insurance Co., Ltd.

Heungkuk Fire & Marine Insurance Co., Ltd.

NongHyup Life Insurance Co., Ltd.

Hanwha Life Insurance Co., Ltd.

Hanwha General Insurance Co., Ltd.

General Electric Company

KB Insurance Co.,Ltd

Samsung Life Insurance Co., Ltd.

Work highlights

  • Represented Samsung Life Insurance in a claim against the decision by the Financial Supervisory Service to imposed sanctions on it for alleged violations of the Insurance Business Act.
  • Successfully represented KB Insurance in a dispute with other insurance competitors following the decision to request retirement pension operators in Korea propose a one-year pension product to redistribute its defined benefit type retirement pension.

South Korea > International arbitration Tier 3

Handling in construction, trading, maritime, reinsurance, and investor-state disputes and commercial arbitrations, Yoon & Yang LLC‘s ‘very professional, intelligent and responsive’ is jointly led by managing partner Junsang Lee and ‘exceptionally astute’ Myung-Ahn Kim . ‘Extremely talented’ senior foreign attorney Sam Kim is recommended for disputes involving joint ventures, sales of goods and licensing of intellectual property. In March 2023, senior foreign attorney Song Feng Hong joined the firm from Bae, Kim & Lee LLC.

Practice head(s):

Junsang Lee; Myung-Ahn Kim

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Y&Y’s International arbitration team consist of team members who are very professional, intelligent and responsive. They are capable of handling complex and sophisticated matters and under great time pressure. Myung-Ahn Kim is in particular outstanding – she has been highly rated among the professionals she worked with and she is thorough, precise and a very effective advocate.’

‘Myung-Ahn is also exceptionally astute and a really good strategic thinker. She handles complex and sophisticated matters extremely well, and in particular, she is Incisive and unflappable under pressure and is really measured and thoughtful in her approach. She is definitely a go-to person for complex, high level international litigation and arbitration.’

‘YY’s team of lawyers are all very dedicated to the client’s needs. They have always outperformed other top law firms and have been my choice in various matters. I have had the pleasure of working with various teams at YY and I have always been satisfied with their performance and their billing.’

‘Sam Kim is a very talented lawyer who was recognized even as an associate as one of the best international arbitration lawyer in the market. He is mindful of the client’s needs and highly skilled in handling complex disputes. He is the go-to person when the company is in a tight situation and needs the best solution quickly.’

‘Sam Kim is one of the founding members of YY’s international arbitration team, is extremely talented and is able to hold his own against other well-known practitioners. He is both intelligent and hard-working, a combination that makes him a top notch lawyer. Naturally, construction disputes often trigger complex/nuanced issues which need careful scrutiny and Sam excels in that regard. ‘

‘They are excellent in communication with clients with focusing the case.  Myung-Ahn Kim is the best in advocacy and client communication in relation to the international arbitration case. She maximized the strength of the case and focused on emphasizing the opponent’s weak points, which led the big win of our arbitration case.

‘Junsang Lee – Managing partner of the firm, very calm and collected.’

‘Kim, Myung-an is very good at strategically analyzing legal problems and coming up with reasonable solutions. I admire her logic and persuasion very much.’

Key clients

General Electric Company (GE)

Hyundai Autoever

STX Corporation

STX Engine Corporation

POSCO ICT Company

POSCO International Corporation

GM Trading

The Engineering Pte., Ltd.

Seoul Broadcasting System

Korea Water Resources Corporation

YD Online

Work highlights

  • Successfully represented a global engine manufacturer in an US$ 39 million ICC arbitration.

South Korea > Real estate: local firms Tier 3

Yoon & Yang LLC has a well-balanced transactional practice, encompassing acquisitions, project financing and REITs, supplemented with a strong group of litigation specialists with experience handling disputes involving construction, commercial and residential development and social overhead capital projects. Construction partners Kyung In Jung and Young Kang Eo co-head the practice, focusing largely on contentious matters. Young Woo Park is one of the most bright and excellent lawyers in Korea’ and works across all areas of real estate transactions.

Practice head(s):

Kyung In Jung; Young Eo Kang

Other key lawyers:

Young Woo Park

Testimonials

‘Yoon & Yang has provided excellent personalised legal advice tailored to our specific needs and our sector demands. Its lawyers provide excellent comments and they are really fast and quick to respond to our questions.’

‘Young Woo Park is one of the most bright and excellent lawyers in South Korea. He has in-depth knowledge on real estate matters that financial industries have handled. Our company is actively operating real estate funds and Young Woo Park’s expertise on both industries are 100% fitting to us. In addition, I individually praise that Young Woo Park continues constant communication with our company.’

‘Yoon & Yang’s team is comprised of real estate transactions experts, US tax experts and foreign lawyers, all of whom show in-depth understanding on the US laws and regulations. The team is capable of handling real estate transactions in the US. They show their capabilities in real estate transaction between Korea and the US (acquisitions and financing).’

‘Young Woo Park is one of the best committed lawyers in Korea. He always responds to our calls/emails immediately, but never misses the important points. In addition, he always provides practical, business-minded advice.’

Key clients

Hyundai Engineering & Construction

GS Engineering & Construction

POSCO Engineering & Construction

Hyundai Development Corporation

Hanwha E&C

Shinsegae Engineering & Construction

POSCO ICT Company

Shinyoung D&D

Daesung Industrial

Korea Investment & Real Estate Trust

Koramco REITs & Trust

DL Engineering & Construction

Korea Expressway Corporation

Posco

Work highlights

  • Successfully defended POSCO E&C in litigation concerning the construction of the Incheon-Gimpo Expressway of the 2nd Capital Region Ring Road, in which the client was sued by the residents of the regions near Incheon Bukhang Tunnel.
  • Advised KORAMCO REITs Management Trust‘s takeover deal of Hanwha Galleria Department Store which was a large scale of commercial facility transaction.
  • Advised Belstar Superfreez Consortium in leasing and developing land in Incheon to build a warehouse.

South Korea > Regulatory: compliance and investigations: local firms Tier 3

Yoon & Yang LLC represents multinationals and high-profile individuals in significant white-collar litigation and investigations in the areas of defence procurement, health care and TMT among other industries.  Sung Wook Cho is active in corporate crime investigations and government relations, together with Hee Sik Yoon who specialises in defence to criminal investigations and trials related to financial, tax and competition law issues. Former public prosecutor Young Min Seo is another key figure for white-collar defence.

Practice head(s):

Hee Sik Yoon

Other key lawyers:

Sung Wook Cho; Young Min Seo

Key clients

Samsung Electronics Service Co., LTD.

Samsung C&T Corporation

Kolon Life Science

Deutsche Securities Korea

Shinhan Investment Corp

KB Securities

Daeshin Securities

Work highlights

  • Defending the SK Innovation and its employees, who were previous employees of LG Chem, who is accusing the client of allegedly disclosing trade secrets.

South Korea > Tax: local firms Tier 3

Yoon & Yang LLC advises a mix of domestic conglomerate and foreign entities on corporate and finance tax, provides opinions on taxation policies and administrative matters. It continues to win new instructions from individuals on inheritance and personal tax matters. Jae Woong Jeong is the lead litigator in the group, assisted by Jung Yeol Lee, who has a background in customs litigation. Jeongsu Park, Wankyu Jeon and Yong Taek Kim are the other key members of the practice.  

Practice head(s):

Jae Woong Jeong; Wankyu Jeon

Other key lawyers:

Jeongsu Park; Yong Taek Kim; Jung Yeol Lee

Testimonials

‘The practice provides accurate, well-thought-out legal advice at a resonable price’ 

 

Key clients

SK Innovation Co., Ltd.

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

Intel Corporation

GE Appliances

Korea Investment & Securities Co., Ltd.

Bithumb Korea Co., Ltd.

Realtek Semiconductor Corporation

Korea Zinc Co., Ltd.

SK HYNIX SYSTEM IC INC.

LMS.CO,.LTD.

Hyundai Glovis Co., Ltd., Hyundai Engineering Co., Ltd., Innocean Worldwide Inc., Hyundai Autoever Co., Ltd., Hyundai Architects & Engineers Assoc. Co., Ltd.

Samsung C&T Corporation

Rolex Korea Limited

Rothmans Far East BV, British American Tobacco Korea Manufacturing

LG Chem Co., Ltd.

POSCO

Kumho Petrochemical Co., Ltd.

AIG Korea Inc.

LS Electric

Hydis Technologies Co., Ltd.

SPC Samlip, Paris Croissant

Hyundai Department Store Duty Free

Taekwang Industrial Co., Ltd., Heungkuk Life Insurance Co., Ltd., Heungkuk Fire & Marine Insurance Co., Ltd., Heungkuk Securities Co., Ltd., Heungkuk Asset Management Co., Ltd.

Work highlights

  • Acted for LG Chem Co., Ltd in successfully challenging a customs duty imposition issued by the Seoul Main Customs.
  • Advised POSCO in connection with various issues under the Corporate Income Tax Act.
  • Defended Hydis Technologies Co., Ltd. (Taiwanese company) in a dispute concerning income tax.

South Korea > Shipping: local firms Tier 4

Yoon & Yang LLC is instructed on maritime disputes, rehabilitations and transactions bydomestic and foreign aircraft owners and ship charterers, P&I clubs, maritime insurers and freight forwarders and shippers. Practice head Sang-Pil Lee has abundant experience’ in wet and dry shipping disputes.

Practice head(s):

Sang-Pil Lee

Testimonials

‘Yoon & Yang is able to see the big picture of our company’s situation and provide accurate, creative legal solutions which lead to successful outcomes. The firm has comprehensive expertise in shipping and is highly experienced in handling not only comparatively small cases but complicated cases. I think Yoon & Yang’s overall service is much better than other law firms in Korea.’

‘We mainly worked with Sang-Pil Lee. I highly appreciate his excellent quality of client service. As the lead lawyer in the team, he always sets a good example to other lawyers and leads them in the right direction. Mr. Lee has abundant experience in various shipping matters and is a well-respected expert in this field.’

Key clients

Pan Ocean

H-Line Shipping

Korea P&I

SK Shipping

Heung Kuk Fire & Marine Insurance

STX Corporation

Hferry

Korea Trade Insurance Corporation

Intergis Co. Ltd

Posco Plantec Co. Ltd

INTOPS Co. Ltd

Royce Cruise Co. Ltd

K Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.

Work highlights

  • Representing Hferry Corporation in a lawsuit arising out of faulty vessel repairs.
  • Representing Intergis in an insurance claim arising out of shipping cargo collision.
  • Successful representation for Heungkuk Fire & Marine Insurance in a shareholders’ derivative lawsuit at the Supreme Court related to a maritime RG insurance.

Yoon & Yang is one of the largest full service Seoul headquartered law firms. Yoon & Yang has over 460 lawyers and other professionals including over 40 foreign qualified lawyers. Yoon & Yang’s foreign qualified lawyers include a number of experienced lawyers in the US and UK. The firm also has experienced lawyers qualified in Germany, Russia, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, China, Canada, Spain, Australia and New Zealand.

Our main office in Seoul is supported by our overseas offices in Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, Jakarta and Tashkent.

Yoon & Yang is one of the leading law firms in South Korea striving to provide highest quality legal services with vast experience and expertise in corporate advisory, counselling and litigation matters for international and domestic clients. All of the firm’s attorneys and professionals are proud of firm’s commitment to the care and attention of clients and mutual trust. The firm has mindset of viewing its services from the perspective of clients.

Notable cases
Antitrust and competition:

  • Representing Qualcomm as the primary counsel in an administrative lawsuit before the Supreme Court. Qualcomm is seeking the annulment of the KFTC’s corrective orders and a fine in the amount of KRW 1bn (approximately US$865m) for alleged abuse of dominance involving Qualcomm’s patent licensing practices.
  • Successfully represented United Technologies Corporation (‘UTC’), a US-based leading aerospace equipment supplier, in the KFTC’s review of UTC’s acquisition of Raytheon Company, a leading defence equipment supplier, for US$52bn, and obtained unconditional clearance despite objections from stakeholders.

Banking regulation:

  • Successfully advised Shinhan Bank in its acquisition of Indonesia’s Bank Metro Express (BME) and Centratama Nasional Bank (CNB) and the subsequent mergers.
  • Successfully advised Korea Investment Holdings Co., Ltd. in its establishment and authorisation of a real estate trust subsidiary company, Korea Investment Real Estate Trust Co., Ltd.

Employment and labour:

  • Successfully represented Hyundai Motor Company in lawsuits filed by contract workers seeking direct employment to HMC and a considerable amount of wages in compensation.
  • Successfully represented Hyundai Motor Company in lawsuits initiated by HMC’s fixed-term employees claiming wrongful termination based on the right to renewal of employment contracts.

Intellectual property:

  • Representing and advising SK Innovation in trade secret and patent disputes with LG Chem filed in Korea and the United States.
  • Representing Merck, Sharp & Dohme Corp. in actions challenging the validity of Pfizer/Wyeth’s patents relating to pneumococcal conjugate vaccines.

International arbitration:

  • Successfully represented a metropolitan city development corporation in an ICC arbitration against a cross border joint venture dispute. Also obtained an award of entire legal defence costs.
  • Successfully represented a F&B company in an SIAC arbitration regarding a joint venture dispute.

Litigation:

  • Currently representing Kolon Life Science, manufacturer of a popular osteoarthritis treatment, in a product liability action against a number of patients who claim that the manufacturer has illegally modified the underlying ingredients of the treatment after obtaining its certification.

M&A:

  • Currently advising Korean Air on its sales of in-flight catering business to private equity firm Hahn & Company for KRW990bn (approximately US$873m).
  • Successfully advised financially troubled POSCO Plantec in its attraction of new investment and the conclusion of the workout program by issuance of KRW60bn (approximately US$53m) new shares to United Asset Management (UAMCO) and by issuance of KRW158.3bn (approximately US$142m) new shares to its creditors in debt-to-equity conversion.

Tax:

  • Successfully represented British American Tobacco Korea Ltd. and two individuals (Executive Director in charge of production and logistics, director in charge of logistics) in a $44.7m tax related criminal litigation case on violation of the Punishment of Tax Offenses Act.
  • Successfully represented I&TDC in a $28.8m review system of the legality before taxation case for the repeal of value-added tax.

White-collar crime:

  • Successfully defended Deutsche Bank in a lawsuit in which an employee of Deutsche Bank allegedly earned KRW40bn (approximately US$34m) using index basket trade worth KRW2.4 trillion (approximately US$2bn). As a result, Yoon & Yang reversed the conviction in the 1st instance trial and obtained the employee’s acquittal in the trial on appeal.
  • Successfully defended British American Tobacco’s Korean subsidiary and its employees before the Korean court holding the clients are not guilty. Clients were indicted for suspicion of tax evasion by falsely taking out tobacco products before a raise of the retail price.
DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
Antitrust and competition Chul Ho Kimchkim@yoonyang.com82 2 6003 7522
Banking and securities Young Ho Kangyhk@yoonyang.com82 2 6003 7577
Bankruptcy and restructuring Sang-Goo Hansghan@yoonyang.com82 2 6003 7139
Capital markets Young Ho Kangyhk@yoonyang.com82 2 6003 7577
Corporate and M&A Sung-Jin Kimsjkim@yoonyang.com82 2 6182 8335
Corporate governance Jungseok Ryujsryu@yoonyang.com82 2 6003 7148
Defence procurement Geunbae Parkgbpark@yoonyang.com82 2 6182 8384
Energy Soongki Yisoongki@yoonyang.com82 2 6003 7519
Financial regulation Myung Soo Leeleems@yoonyang.com82 2 6003 7095
Government relations Seog-Jong Hansjhan@yoonyang.com82 2 6003 7133
Healthcare Jiyul Yoojyoo@yoonyang.com82 2 6003 7552
Intellectual property Wonil Kimwonilkim@yoonyang.com82 2 6003 7511
International arbitration and litigation Junsang Leejunslee@yoonyang.com82 2 6182 8512
International trade and investment Sungbum Leesblee@yoonyang.com82 2 6182 8527
Labour and employment Tae Hwan Ohthoh@yoonyang.com82 2 6003 7597
Litigation Seung Ryong Yoosryoo@yoonyang.com82 2 6003 7563
Maritime and admiralty Sang-Pil Leespl@yoonyang.com82 2 6003 7569
Real estate Kyung In Jungkijung@yoonyang.com82 2 6003 7093
Tax and customs Jae Woong Jeongjwjeong@yoonyang.com82 2 6003 7049
Telecoms, media and technology Kwang-Wook Leekwlee@yoonyang.com82 2 6003 7535
White-collar criminal defence Hee Sik Yoonhsyoon@yoonyang.com82 2 6003 7573
PhotoNamePositionProfile
Ki Hwan Ahn photoMr Ki Hwan AhnPartner
Jae Hwan Baek photoMr Jae Hwan BaekPosition: Expert Advisor Practice area: Privacy · Information Security
Ji Hoon Cha photoMr Ji Hoon ChaPartner
Sung Wook Cho photoMr Sung Wook ChoManaging Partner
Jae Ryun Cho photoMr Jae Ryun ChoPartner
Young Kon Cho photoMr Young Kon ChoPartner
Keon Joo Cho photoMr Keon Joo ChoPartner
Young Sun Cho photoMr Young Sun ChoPartner.
Yeong-un Choi photoMr Yeong-un ChoiSenior Counsel
Dong Gyou Choi photoMr Dong Gyou ChoiSenior Managing Partner
Yong Ho Choi photoMr Yong Ho ChoiPosition: Partner Practice area: General Finance, Financial Regulations & Compliance, Non-bank Financial Companies,…
Jong Youl Choi photoMr Jong Youl ChoiPosition: Partner Practice area: General Finance, Capital Markets Regulations, Audit Review, Asset Management,…
Don Eok Choi photoMr Don Eok ChoiPartner
Edward Dhong photoMr Edward DhongSenior Foreign Attorney
Sang-Goo Han photoMr Sang-Goo HanPartner
Min Young Han photoMr Min Young HanSenior Counsel
Seog-Jong Han photoMr Seog-Jong HanPartner
Hwan Jun Heo photoMr Hwan Jun HeoPosition: Partner Practice area: General Finance, Financial Regulations & Compliance, Financial Disputes, Bank/Financial…
Seong Hong photoMr Seong HongPartner
Dong Oh Hong photoMr Dong Oh HongPartner
Jin Woo Hwang photoMr Jin Woo HwangPartner
Hwang Lim Jang photoMr Hwang Lim JangPartner
Ok Pyeong Je photoMr Ok Pyeong JePosition: Partner Practice area: General Finance, Financial Regulations & Compliance, Regulatory Investigation, Capital…
Sang Oh Jeon photoMr Sang Oh JeonPartner
Wankyu Jeon photoMr Wankyu JeonPartner
Oh-Young Jeon photoMr Oh-Young JeonManaging Partner
Jae Woong Jeong photoMr Jae Woong JeongPartner
Hae-Wang Jeong photoMr Hae-Wang JeongPartner
Kyung In Jung photoMr Kyung In JungPosition: Partner Practice area: Construction & Real Estate, Commercial Arbitration, Family Business Succession
Choong Woo Jung photoMr Choong Woo JungTax Accountant
Hyun Suk Jung photoMr Hyun Suk JungPartner
Hae Duk Jung photoMr Hae Duk JungPartner
Young Ho Kang photoMr Young Ho KangPartner
Sung Woon Kang photoMr Sung Woon KangPartner
Minhwa Kang photoMiss Minhwa KangPosition: Associate Practice area: International Arbitration and Litigation
Hyong Kyu Ki photoMr Hyong Kyu KiPosition: Partner Practice area: Construction & Real Estate, Product Liability, Commercial Arbitration, Criminal…
Kayoung Kim photoMs Kayoung KimPartner
Young Min Kim photoMr Young Min KimPartner
Myung-Ahn Kim photoMs Myung-Ahn KimSenior Foreign Attorney
Yonsoo Kim photoMs Yonsoo KimSenior Foreign Attorney
Kyung Bae Kim photoMr Kyung Bae KimSenior Advisor
Jae-Young Kim photoMr Jae-Young KimPartner
Seong-Sig Kim photoMr Seong-Sig KimPartner.
Yong Taek Kim photoMr Yong Taek KimPartner
Chul Ho Kim photoMr Chul Ho KimPartner
Jae Ok Kim photoMr Jae Ok KimPartner
Sangman Kim photoMr Sangman KimPartner
Jiwook Kim photoMr Jiwook KimPartner
Sam Kim photoMr Sam KimSenior Foreign Attorney
Youbum Kim photoMr Youbum KimPartner
Jeong Woon Kim photoMiss Jeong Woon KimPosition: Tax Accountant Practice area: Tax
Gyuel Kim photoMr Gyuel KimPosition: Foreign Attorney Practice area: International Arbitration and Litigation
Sung-Jin Kim photoMr Sung-Jin KimPartner
Sung Tae Kim photoMr Sung Tae KimPosition: Senior Advisor Practice area: Finance
Wonil Kim photoMr Wonil KimPartner
Chang Ho Kum photoMr Chang Ho KumPartner
Dongju Kwon photoMr Dongju KwonPartner
Mun Jeong Kyung photoMs Mun Jeong KyungAttorney
Sejung Lee photoMs Sejung LeePartner
Jung Woo Lee photoMr Jung Woo LeePartner
Dong Gyu Lee photoMr Dong Gyu LeePartner.
Su Yeol Lee photoMr Su Yeol LeePosition: Partner Practice area: General Litigation
In-Bok Lee photoMr In-Bok LeeOf Counsel
Jin Seok Lee photoMr Jin Seok LeePartner
Junsang Lee photoMr Junsang LeePartner
Joo Hwan Lee photoMr Joo Hwan LeePosition: Tax Accountant Practice area: Tax
Kwang-Wook Lee photoMr Kwang-Wook LeePartner
Chang Woo Lee photoMr Chang Woo LeePosition: Partner Practice area: Intellectual Property, Healthcare
Bo Hyun Lee photoMr Bo Hyun LeePartner
Soonghee Lee photoMr Soonghee LeePartner.
Zunu Lee photoMr Zunu LeePartner
Jung Hwan Lee photoMr Jung Hwan LeeAttorney
Sang-Pil Lee photoMr Sang-Pil LeePartner
Sungbum Lee photoMr Sungbum LeePartner
Keun Woo Lee photoMr Keun Woo LeePartner
Myung Soo Lee photoMr Myung Soo LeeManaging Partner
Sun Bong Lee photoMr Sun Bong LeePartner
Jung Yeol Lee photoMr Jung Yeol LeeAttorney
Chulgun Lim photoMr Chulgun LimPartner
Seung Tae Lim photoMr Seung Tae LimSenior Advisor
Seung Soon Lim photoMr Seung Soon LimPartner
Seung Bok Nah photoMr Seung Bok NahPartner.
Tae Hwan Oh photoMr Tae Hwan OhPartner
Chan-Keun Park photoMr Chan-Keun ParkPartner
Jeongsu Park photoMr Jeongsu ParkPartner
Sang Jae Park photoMr Sang Jae ParkPosition: Partner Practice area: General Litigation
Young Woo Park photoMr Young Woo ParkPartner
Soo Hyeon Park photoMr Soo Hyeon ParkPartner
Sang Hoon Park photoMr Sang Hoon ParkManaging Partner
Ki Man Park photoMr Ki Man ParkPartner
Song Ryu photoMr Song RyuPartner
Young Min Seo photoMr Young Min SeoPartner
Jaebum Seok photoMr Jaebum SeokPosition: Senior Advisor Practice area: Media · Technology · Telecommunications
Ji Hye Seol photoMs Ji Hye SeolPartner
Jin Guk Shi photoMr Jin Guk ShiPartner
Donghoon Shin photoMr Donghoon ShinPartner
Geun Sun Son photoMr Geun Sun SonSenior Advisor
Se-bin Song photoMr Se-bin SongPosition: Partner Practice area: Criminal Law, Corporate General
Seung-Kook Synn photoMr Seung-Kook SynnSenior Foreign Attorney
Sue Yeon Woo photoMs Sue Yeon WooPartner
Seung Jae Yeon photoMr Seung Jae YeonPartner
Sugyoung Yi photoMs Sugyoung YiPosition: Partner Practice area: Media · Technology · Telecommunications
Soongki Yi photoMr Soongki YiPartner
Seung Ryong Yoo photoMr Seung Ryong YooPartner
Seung Nam Yoo photoMr Seung Nam YooPartner
Hee Sik Yoon photoMr Hee Sik YoonPartner
Byeong Cheol Yun photoMr Byeong Cheol YunPartner.
Tae-Gu Zeon photoMr Tae-Gu ZeonPartner; Administrative Secretary of Litigation I Team under Litigation Group.
Number of professionals : 460+
English
German
Spanish
Japanese
Korean
Russian
Vietnamese
Chinese
French
Contacts : Jinsu Jeong; Junsang Lee; Myung Soo Lee (managing partners)

CLIENT: Hyungin Ha
COMPANY/FIRM: IBM Korea (Senior Regional Counsel)
TESTIMONIAL: Yoon & Yang has been handling several key matters for our company. A recent spin-off of a major business unit into an independently operating company (Kyndryl) is a prime example. It was a complex transaction with many moving parts and a tight deadline. Yoon & Yang’s team was creative, methodical and executed like clockworks despite a tight deadline and significant pressure to get the deal across the finish line. As in other past projects, Yoon & Yang’s proactive and practical approach made working with them very easy and pleasant. We are very satisfied with Yoon & Yang and look forward to continued partnership.


CLIENT: Hyeok Joon Choi
COMPANY/FIRM: DL E&C (Director)
TESTIMONIAL: Yoon & Yang has handled several litigations for our company including administrative lawsuits against the KFTC. I was impressed with the attorneys in charge of our cases as they were very dedicated and provided creative solutions with foresight to anticipate potential issues and effectively addressed them ultimately resulting in favorable outcomes. Yoon & Yang team never lost sight of the big picture while not missing even small things, which I believe is a result of their large-scale litigation experience and expertise. I also appreciated Yoon & Yang’s competitive fees.


CLIENT: Hee Jung Kim
COMPANY/FIRM: Hyundai Motor Company (Senior Counsel)
TESTIMONIAL: Yoon & Yang is an excellent and trusted law firm. The firm’s partners have been successfully representing our company in multiple litigations and have produced favorable outcomes in multiple litigations related to various employment issues. Employment issues are always hot topics in Korea and it is very impressive that they always come up with innovative solutions to complicated problems based on their in-depth knowledge and experience in employment. In addition, they try to resolve issues from the client’s perspective which I think is the important attitude for a law firm.


CLIENT: Chul Young Park
COMPANY/FIRM: Robert Bosch Korea (Representative Director/General Counsel)
TESTIMONIAL: Yoon & Yang is an outside counsel we always turn to when our company has complex corporate issues. As the firm has a long history of working with us, they have good understanding of our company and the auto industry as well. Besides corporate issues, the firm has recently produced good results in litigation and customs issues. We are very satisfied with Yoon & Yang’s excellent professional service.


CLIENT: Jisun Kim
COMPANY/FIRM: SK hynix, Inc. (Corporate Legal Project Leader)
TESTIMONIAL: We have been entrusting a wide range of cases with Yoon & Yang, and our company is satisfied with their legal services. In our view, Yoon & Yang attorneys spare no effort to investigate and analyze precedents and all relevant materials to propose the most innovative and practical legal solutions. We have been very impressed with the way Yoon & Yang attorneys promptly responded to all kinds of requests, clearly sorted out relevant issues and prepared for potential issues in advance. This is why we think Yoon & Yang receives favorable evaluations in both Korean and overseas markets.


Yoon & Yang has extensive global experiences in all of the continents in the globe. The firm has advised Korean companies in their acquisitions of companies and their business operations in Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia. The firm has also advised many German, Chinese, Spanish and the US companies on every aspects of legal matters in their Korea related businesses. In addition, the firm has successfully advised Korean companies’ outbound legal matters in MENA countries.

In order to meet clients’ needs overseas, Yoon & Yang has actively expanded its overseas offices. The firm was the first among the peers to open an Uzbekistan office, which subsequently got our foot in the door of other Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) markets. The firm has also been operating offices in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi in Vietnam. Firm’s Vietnamese offices serve as a dynamic hub for expanding outreach to Southeast Asian countries. The firm operates a desk in Jakarta in cooperation with Amir Syamsudin & Partners.

Yoon & Yang has also organized specialized teams focusing on specific jurisdictions such as Southeast Asia, Americas, Russia and CIS, Europe, Japan, China, North Korea, and Middle East and Africa to provide with an optimized advice for both domestic and overseas clients. Based on the firm’s broad global networks, each teams work closely with local law firms, accounting firms, tax law firms and patent law firms to provide with prompt and accurate legal solutions to fit into the local situations.

More than 40 attorneys who have licensed in various jurisdictions outside Korea, such as U.S., Canada, China, Australia, New Zealand, U.K., Germany, Spain, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam deal with cross-border matters in all practice areas.

Yoon & Yang has been recognized as one of the top law firms by the international publications:

Top Law Firm in South Korea for 10 Practice Areas
Korea Law Firm Awards 2021 by Asia Business Law Journal

Client Service Excellence Awards: South Korea (Law Firms)
asialaw Awards 2020,2021

M&A Deal of the Year
ALB Korea Law Awards 2021

“Overseas Practice Law Firm of the Year” and “Tax and Trusts Law Firm of the Year”
ALB Korea Law Awards 2020

“Elite Firm” in South Korea for Competition & Antitrust for 14 consecutive years from 2009 to 2022
Global Competition Review 100