Bae, Kim & Lee LLC > Seoul, South Korea > Firm Profile

Bae, Kim & Lee LLC
Tower B
Centropolis,
26 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu,
03161
South Korea

South Korea > Antitrust and competition: local firms Tier 1

Comprising Korean and foreign antitrust specialists from varying backgrounds, including former KFTC officials and economics experts, Bae, Kim & Lee LLC is a top choice for Korean competition law and for multi-jurisdictional merger filings involving the US, EU, China, Turkey, Indonesia, and others. Seong Un Yun ’s practice focuses on competition law, corporate governance, regulations in the pharmaceutical market and damages claims involving fair trade issues. Keumseok Oh and senior foreign attorney, Sanghoon Shin are expert on cartels, merger controls, abuse of dominance, and unfair trade practices, particularly in an M&A context. Hyun A Kim lends complementary expertise in environmental regulatory law. ‘ExceptionalJunghun Kim counsels international clients responding to the KFTC’s investigation.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

‘Korean and American lawyers work together to lead international cases, making it very easy to work. Their advice would be very reasonable.’

‘Junghun Kim is an exceptional competition lawyer. He has a deep knowledge and experience in this area. His English and Japanese is very well and it would be valuable for the client to assist for international cases.’

‘BKL team has tremendous experience in all aspects of antitrust laws and understands the company’s business and needs.’

Key clients

Daewoong Pharmaceutical

E-Mart

Hoya Lens Korea (Korea branch of Hoya Corporation)

Hyundai Heavy Industries Holdings

Kakao Mobility

LG Chem

LS Corp. and its subsidiaries

Pan Ocean

SK Telecom

Work highlights

  • Advised E-Mart in preparing merger filings in regard to E-Mart’s acquisition of eBay Korea, from eBay Inc., one of the largest M&A deals in the Korean retail industry.
  • Coordinating the global merger filing efforts for the proposed transaction between LG Chem, Ltd. and Toray Industries, Inc.. The parties entered into an agreement for the establishment of a 50-50 joint venture and construction of a battery separator film manufacturing plant in Hungary.
  • Legal advisor to Hyundai Heavy Industries Holdings in preparing merger filings in multiple jurisdictions including Korea, China, Vietnam, Russia and Turkey, as well as conducting preliminary merger control analysis in various other jurisdictions.

South Korea > Capital markets: local firms Tier 1

Bae, Kim & Lee LLC’s practice covers the full spectrum of capital markets transactions that have a Korean nexus, from Korea Exchange listings by foreign companies to listing of REITs and derivatives. With a decades-long career, Hee Gang Shin is a sought after counsel for both equity and debt capital markets, IPOs, note offerings and bond issuances. Eui Jong Chung is another top debt capital markets and convertible bonds specialist for global financial institutions and private equity funds. Jeong-Hoon Lee and Mi Eun Roh and foreign attorney Heesug Chung also provide valuable support.

Practice head(s):

Hee-Gang Shin

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

BKL have contributed to our success story in relation to the establishment and listing of a REIT in Korea by providing innovative structural solutions and help find practical and commercial alternatives.’

In all mandates with BKL, we have worked with Eun-Jin Jeon of BKL as leading partner. We are very much satisfied with what she has done for us by meeting clients’ needs in the most time-efficient and balanced manner without missing any key legal aspects of transactions.’

Key clients

Citigroup Global Market Korea Securities

Credit Suisse Securities (Europe)

Goldman Sachs (Asia)

J.P. Morgan Securities (Far East)

KB Securities

Korea Investment & Securities

Korean Ministry of Economy and Finance

Merrill Lynch International

Work highlights

  • Advised Morgan Stanley & Co. and six underwriters on the IPO and listing on the Korea Exchange of LG Energy Solution, a leader in the global rechargeable battery market with production and R&D networks across the world.
  • Advised KakaoBank, the leading mobile-only bank and fintech platform in Korea, on its successful Korean IPO and listing on the KOSPI market of the Korea Exchange.
  • Advised Korean Ministry of Economy and Finance on the issuance and offering of foreign exchange equalization bonds (US $500 million Notes and EUR 700 million Notes).

South Korea > Corporate and M&A: local firms Tier 1

Bae, Kim & Lee LLC‘s expertise ranges from M&A, investments, business transfers and divestures, through to fund formation, management of portfolio companies and exit strategies. Transactions involving a Chinese and South-East Asian nexus are a distinguishing factor for the firm. Sky Yang is mandated by financial institutions on inbound and outbound private equity and corporate transactions. Other key partners include Byoung Ki Lee , Sung Jo Yun and Kyungseok Kim.

Practice head(s):

Sky Yang

Other key lawyers:

Byoung Ki Lee; Sung Jo YUN; Kyungseok (KS) KIM

Key clients

Affinity Equity Partners

Anchor Equity Partners

The Carlyle Group

Hanwha Solutions

Hyundai Heavy Industries

KT Corp.

LG Chem

Macquarie PE

Posco

SoftBank Group Corp.

Work highlights

  • Advised E-Mart, a subsidiary of Korea’s leading retail conglomerate Shinsegae Group, on its acquisition of eBay Korea from eBay Inc.
  • Advised Hanwha Solutions Corporation on its acquisition of RES Méditerranée S.A.S, a French renewable energy company.
  • Advised SoftBank Group on its investment in Yanolja, which was SoftBank Vision Fund’s second-largest investment in a Korean company.

South Korea > Labour and employment: local firms Tier 1

Leveraging full service labour advisory and contentious capabilities, Bae, Kim & Lee LLC is known for its longstanding relationship with the Ministry of Employment and Labour and National Labour Relations Commission, which often instruct Wook Rae Lee and Jeong Han Lee on issues ranging from minimum wage to collective bargaining. Comprised of criminal and labour law experts, it also offers a specialist industrial accident task force for health and safety work. US. licensed attorney Hye Chong Elizabeth Yu and Sang Min Kim advise some of Korea’s largest employers on dismissals, worker dispatch issues and wage disputes.

Practice head(s):

Wook Rae Lee

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The team is able to help clients and in-house counsels in all areas of Korean labour law. They are also able to communicate and clarify unfamiliar legal issues and identify the crux of the matter swiftly and offer practical solutions.’

‘Elizabeth Yu is a reliable and trustworthy advisor who is able to help me to better understand the local legal requirement in plain languages and direct me to the right route of solution.’

‘The teamwork is good. It seems that the team talks a lot and exchanges opinions, which means a lot to clients.’

‘Sangmin Kim is a good listener and spent quickly understood the issues at hand. We are very impressed with the results.’

Key clients

Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd. (DSME)

HYUNDAI KEFICO Corporation

Kumho Tire Co., Ltd.

LG Electronics

Orange Life Insurance Co., Ltd.

Owens Corning

POSCO

Samsung Electronics

Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.

Seoul National University

Work highlights

  • Represented LG Electronics against its white-collar labor union which filed an application for division of bargaining unit from the existing union.
  • Represented Seoul National University in the lawsuit for confirmation of invalidity of dismissal.
  • Advised Owens Corning in dealing with risks in a rigid labor union.

South Korea > Real estate: local firms Tier 1

Bae, Kim & Lee LLC is a leading name in city development projects, real estate developments and investment projects using REITs and real estate fund structures. Gun Chul Do ‘s expertise covers the full range of real estate transactions, development and property litigation. Hyeon Kang has ‘profound knowledge‘ and is particularly skilled at collective investment in real estate through real estate holding companies, REITs and project finance vehicles. Eun Jin Jeon and senior associate Seung Eun Chi also focuses on investment transactions.

Practice head(s):

Gun Chul Do

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘BKL’s team has good insight into the legal system, and its real estate fund and REIT knowledge is excellent.’

‘They have profound network and knowledge in Korean legal market and well connected to real estate institutional investors and financial authorities including FSS Korea.’

‘Hyeon Kang has profound legal knowledge in real estate. He is very responsive and tries his best to support and understand clients in their issues and offer a pragmatic and commercial solution. Great lawyer.’

Key clients

Applied Materials, Inc.

Hines Korea Advisors

Hyundai Engineering & Construction

Inspire Integrated Resort

KT&G

Mastern Investment Management

Merlin Entertainment Plc

Mirae Asset Global Investments

Pacific Asset Management

Shinhan REITs Management

SK REITs Management

ST Telemedia

Work highlights

  • Advised Inspire Integrated Resort on the development of a luxury resort project in the Incheon Free Economic Zone which will be the first integrated resort outside of the US developed by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment.
  • Advised Pacific Asset Management on the development of a hyperscale Internet Data Center in South Korea with investment from the Canadian Pension Investment Board.
  • Advised Mastern Investment Management on the IPO and listing on the Korea Exchange of “Mastern Premier REIT 1”, of which underlying asset is Crystal Park building in France.

South Korea > Fintech and financial services regulatory Tier 1

Bae, Kim & Lee LLC fields a diverse group of lawyers with experience as in-house counsel, working with regulatory authorities and foreign experts, to advise on the full range of Korean financial regulations. The firm also draws on its broader banking expertise to advise on fintech, digital banking, and blockchain assets. Formed in 2021, its subteam is headed by Jong-Baek Park and Young Mo Kim and advises on payment and settlement, e-commerce, unlisted stock trading, data-based financial transactions and NFTs. Jae In Lee and Young Ju Park lend supports in authorizations of financial institutions and investigations.

Practice head(s):

Jong Baek Park; Young Mo Kim

Other key lawyers:

Key clients

Dunamu

FORIS GFS KR Limited

Hana Financial Group

Hashed

Kakao Pay Securities

KEB Hana Bank

NH Bank

Nine Corporation

Viva Republica

Wells Fargo

Work highlights

  • Advised Foris on launching of Crypto.com’s service in South Korea.
  • Advised Hana Financial Group on obtaining of approval for MyData business from The Financial Services Commission, Korea’s integrated supervisory authority.
  • Advised Kakao Pay on obtaining of approval for launching digital insurance business (as the first fintech-led digital non-life insurer) from The Financial Services Commission, Korea’s integrated supervisory authority.

South Korea > Banking and finance: local firms Tier 2

Offering full-service banking capabilities, Bae, Kim & Lee LLC is instructed by leading Korean and regional banks, asset managers, private equity firms and export credit agencies. The firm is recognised for its sponsor-side offering, as well as its bench strength in project, asset and ship finance and expertise in the natural resources sector. Key figures in this area include Ho Jin Kim, Taeki Lee, and Ho Jin Kim for infrastructure finance. Department head Eui Jong Chung and Young-Joon Cho‘s practice covers all facets of financing and associate Miro Kang is recommended for overseas alternative investment and corporate finance.

Practice head(s):

Hee-Gang Shin; Eui Jong Chung

Testimonials

‘When it comes to quality of service, Bae, Kim & Lee are one of the best in Korea. Very satisfied with the quality of legal advice, efficiency of service and overall support from the group.’

We were proactively supported by the team throughout the whole deal process. The team actively participated in the negotiation with the counterparty as well as in the discussion with our HQ legal advising practical solutions to the issues.’

‘Mr. Sung-tae Park showed outstanding leadership to negotiate the sales terms with the counterparty. The counterparty rejected to provide the documents requested by our lender and Sung-tae Park directly dealt with the legal counsel of the counterparty and came up with a compromise satisfying both parties.’

‘The Partners are great to deal with, understand the task and respond in a commercially integrated way – providing what is needed to proceed with risk assessments and decision-making. They understand the needs and scope in question and do not over-service.’

‘Hee-Gang Shin is very responsive and pleasant to deal with – his support on various matters and queries is very much appreciated.’

Key clients

Affinity Equity Partners

CapitaLand Investment Management

Hana Financial Investment

KB Securities

Korea Trade Insurance Corporation

NH Investment & Securities

Shinyoung Securities

The Carlyle Group

The Export-Import Bank of Korea

Work highlights

  • Advised The Export-Import Bank of Korea and Korea Trade Insurance Corporation on project financing of the construction of 200MW combined thermal power plant in Dededo, Guam.
  • Advised The Korea Development Bank on providing green loan to SK E&S for the acquisition of stake in Plug Power, a US hydrogen company.
  • Korean counsel to KB Securities, Hana Financial Investment, NH Investment & Securities, for the project financing for the development of INSPIRE Entertainment Resort in the Incheon Free Economic Zone which will be the first integrated resort outside of the U.S. developed by MGE Group, and the largest of its kind in North East Asia.

South Korea > Dispute resolution: local firms Tier 2

Praised for the ‘wide-ranging expertise of its lawyers and their faultless collaboration between departments’, Bae, Kim & Lee LLC has an established reputation in criminal, tax and commercial litigation, and maintains an active outbound practice assisting Korean parties involved in disputes elsewhere. Distinguished former judge Wu Cheol Song ‘s practice centres around civil trial and appellate work, administrative and technology-related litigation. Tony Dongwook Kang is an esteemed commercial and financial services litigator. Elsewhere, associate Eun Young Row is skilled in embezzlement, breach of trust, bribery and tax evasion cases.

Practice head(s):

Byoung Ha Jeon

Other key lawyers:

Wu Cheol Song; Tony  DongWook Kang

Eun Young Row

Testimonials

‘I think the strength of Bae, Kim & Lee’s team is the wide-ranging expertise of its lawyers and their faultless collaboration between departments. They know how to assemble a great team together to reach the best outcome. Very reasonable billings. ‘

‘The most impressive partner of BKL is Junghwan Rhie. As a judge in court for 23 years, he had experience in various fields such as civil, labour, administration, criminal, and fair-trade. I wholly trust his judgements and his expertise always comes with a well written, logical and strategic argument.’

‘Eun-young Row is an impressive counsel. She has expertise in corporate-related criminal and civil lawsuits, and is also interested in new areas such as compliance and personal information. Outstanding communication skills.’

‘Eun young Row is a really realistic but not pessimistic lawyer. She always analyses facts from  scratch and re-organize the facts into legally interpreted ones. She frankly discuses s with me and my team the progress and strong and risky points of the case rather than hiding the weak point.’

‘The team carefully analyses the facts and strives to come up with the most appropriate solution.’

Key clients

Winia Co., Ltd.

MAN Truck & Bus Korea

KT Corp.

Samsung SDS Co., Ltd.

Greenland Jeju Healthcare Town Co.

Deloitte Anjin

Mirae Asset Daewoo Co., Ltd.

Lotte Duty Free

Shinhan Investment Corp.

NH Investment & Securities

Work highlights

  • Representing Deloitte Anjin and their accountants on the lawsuit filed by shareholders of DSME seeking damages for an alleged massive accounting fraud.
  • Represented China’s Greenland Holdings Group in a lawsuit against a local government and civil organizations.
  • Acting for MAN Truck & Bus Korea in its mass class action case, following claims that drivers experienced difficulties in normal driving due to the inherent problems of the vehicles including engine defects.

South Korea > Insurance: local firms Tier 2

Best known for its impressive roster of Korean and international insurer clients, Bae, Kim & Lee LLC are ‘able to advise not only on the relevant law, but also speak from decades of experience’ acting on transactional, regulatory and dispute resolution matters. Jaiyoung Kimhas most of Korea’s insurers as his clients’ – he is particularly skilled in regulatory issues and financial supervisory authorities’ investigations and sanctions. Jong Min An and Soo Hyun Kim are the other regulatory experts. On the contentious side, Jae Seok Yang represents insurers in litigation involving fires and aviation incidents. Jong Ku Kang retired from practice.

Practice head(s):

Jaiyoung Kim

Testimonials

‘Kim Jai Young almost always attends the client meetings and seems to be handle most of the matters. Renders good quality legal opinion letter that a client may rely on comfortably.’

‘BKL has a dedicated insurance practice team composed of professionals whose main specialism is insurance/reinsurance. They maintained their top reputation for more than 20 years, and thus are able to advise not only on the relevant law, but also speak from decades of experience.’

‘Jaiyoung Kim leads the practice and has most of Korea’s insurers as his close clients. There are only few figures who have comparable breadth and depth of experience, and despite his seniority, he maintains a hands-on approach.’

‘Soo Hyun Kim has good knowledge in regulatory and litigation matters. She is a junior partner but always provides good quality of work.’

Key clients

ABL Life Insurance

DB Insurance

Hanwha Life Insurance

Meritz Fire & Marine Insurance

MetLife

Mirae Asset Life Insurance

Prudential Life Insurance

Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance

Samsung Life Insurance

Shinhan Life

Work highlights

  • Representing Hanwha Life Insurance in the immediate annuity litigation, which is currently one of the most high-profile cases in the industry.
  • Representing Samsung Life Insurance on responding to the penalty review committee following comprehensive inspection by Financial Supervisory Service.
  • Advised Kakao Pay, a mobile payment service provider, on obtaining an approval for general insurance business.

South Korea > Intellectual property: local firms Tier 2

Bae, Kim & Lee LLC‘s highly respected IP practice, led by Kijoong Kang, is particularly strong at representing pharmaceutical and technology conglomerates in patent prosecution cases. The firm also stands out for its strong trade secret practice, led by Jihyun Kim and Tae Uk Kang. Former High Court judge Taeck Soo Kwon represents clients in patent invalidations, infringement cases and copyright disputes. Balancing its contentious work with transactional expertise, Mun Ki Nam works on licensing transactions.

Practice head(s):

Kijoong Kang

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The team has a lot of experiences and capacities to handle any cases related to a IP issues. Lawyers and patent lawyers treat the cases properly and the costs are reasonable.’

‘I highly recommend Jihyun Kim and Tae Uk Kang, both great patent lawyers. They try to overcome a variety of concerns regarding to my company’s weak points in the case.’

‘I worked with Nam Mun Ki’s team. All of his team’s members are good at English and do much more than I requested.’

‘Partners at BKL are not just lawyers, but they could be considered as a business partners. With years of experience in the field and passion to help clients’ business, the advice is always well-balanced and very practical.’

Key clients

LG Energy Solution

Iljin Diamond Co., Ltd.

CJ

NETFLIX, Inc.

Apple Inc.

Walt Disney Korea

Uber Technologies Inc.

Starbucks Korea

Lotte Confectionary Co., Ltd.

CLIO Cometics

Celltrion

GC Pharma (Green Cross Corporation)

JW Holdings

SeAH Changwon Integrated Special Steel

ByteDance Ltd.

NEXON Korea Corporation

Actoz Soft Co., Ltd. and Zhen Chuanqi Co., Ltd

Work highlights

  • Represented LG ENSOL (formerly LG Chem) for the dispute over infringement of trade secrets and other intellectual properties.
  • Advising Netflix on all aspects of music licensing for its Korea service, including with respect to its licensing negotiation with the local collecting societies.
  • Advising Apple on the production of its original TV series for Apple TV+.

South Korea > International arbitration Tier 2

Bae, Kim & Lee LLC‘s group is made up of ‘talented young legal professionals with a lot of enthusiasm and creativity’ led by Tony Dongwook Kang , chair of the wider dispute resolution practice. Hongjoong Kim takes the lead in international commercial arbitrations, specialising in post M&A transactions, construction, shipping, energy and private equity. Heading the investment treaty arbitration group, Junu Kim puts forward ‘creative but compelling legal arguments to counterpoints put forward by the opposing side’. New Zealand-qualified foreign attorney Brandon Bang and construction specialist, Woojae Kim are also of note.

Practice head(s):

Tony DW Kang

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Woojae Kim is a very diligent and experienced partner. Very responsive and good communication both in English and Korean.’

‘BKL has a young team with a lot of energy. Talented young legal professionals with a lot of enthusiasm and creativity.’

‘BKL is great to work with, very responsive, client-oriented, knowledgeable, and thoughtful. Their billings have been reasonable.’

‘Junu Kim provides creative (but compelling) legal arguments to counterpoints put forward by the opposing side. An excellent lawyer. Always available to answer queries.’

‘The team is efficient in every sense of the word. Their response is timely, direct and appropriate. Work ethic is impeccable and strive to fully understand the client to provide the best possible legal advice.’

‘Innovation and creativity are the two words that come to mind. When in a tight spot, there is no other person I’d rather have representing me.’

‘Junu Kim in BKL is good at preemptively responding to ever-changing situations in the arbitration proceeding. Highly reliable.’

‘The team manages complex cases effectively, utilising their resources and coordinating the experts and witnesses. Also, the team is strong in making the best strategy based on the deep understanding of the client’s interest and the comprehensive knowledge of both arbitral process and related substantive laws. The firm’s practice is especially impressive in terms of the partners’ hands-on practice.’

Key clients

Affinity Equity Partners

Baring Private Equity Asia

Government of Singapore Investment Corporation

IMM Private Equity

Incheon Metropolitan City, and Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority

Kolon Life Science

Republic of Korea

Veolia Industrial Development Korea

Actoz Soft. Co., Ltd.

POSCO Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.

Work highlights

  • Representing a consortium of financial investors including Affinity Equity Partners in the ICC arbitration against the Kyobo Life Insurance, one of the largest insurance providers in Korea.
  • Advising a major game software company in Korea on dispute arises from an exclusive software licensing agreement for a popular video game software that was developed in Korea and became popular in mainland China.
  • Representing the Republic of Korea in the first-ever investment treaty-based arbitration brought by Lone Star Funds.

South Korea > Projects and energy: local firms Tier 2

Bae, Kim & Lee LLC demonstrates strong capabilities in project development, finance, M&A, construction, PPP projects, including EPC, joint development agreements and regulatory issues. Offshore wind power, thermal, hydro-electric and renewable energy projects are a key area of specialisation, evidenced by Seungkyo Lee and Hyukjin Im advising K-Exim and K-Sure in the financing of the construction of 200MW combined thermal power plant in Dededo, Guam. Hyunchul An often advises foreign clients on inbound investments, energy transactions and development of energy projects.

Practice head(s):

Seungkyo Lee

Other key lawyers:

Key clients

BlackRock Financial Management Inc.

CS Wind

Hanwha Solutions Corporation

Korea Overseas Infrastructure & Urban Development Corporation

Korea Resources Corporation

LG Chem

LG Energy Solution

POSCO

Subsidiaries of Korea Electric Power Corporation

The Export-Import Bank of Korea

Work highlights

  • Advised Hanwha Solutions Corporation on its acquisition of RES Méditerranée S.A.S, a French renewable energy company.
  • Supported BlackRock Financial Management in conducting due diligence, review and preparation of relevant investment contracts in connection with its acquired shares in Brite Energy Partners.
  • Advised BlackRock on its acquisition of IGIS Private Equity Fund (IGIS PE) which specializes in investment in renewable energy infrastructures like wind and solar farms.

South Korea > Regulatory: compliance and investigations: local firms Tier 2

Bae, Kim & Lee LLC‘s white-collar defence and investigations department combines multidisciplinary expertise across its financial regulatory, anti-money laundering, tax and competiton law, as well as broader litigation. Soo Bong Jung and practice head Jin Han Lee lead in various criminal cases involving corporate, finance, tax, corruption, health and safety and international criminal affairs. Sangchul Lee assists clients in response to investigation involving industrial safety, corruption, trade secrets and IP rights. Jinwook Song, Jun Ki Park are also leading defence counsel. Foreign attorney Jiyoung Sohn is experienced in fraud, embezzlement, bribery and sexual harassment cases.

Practice head(s):

Jin Han Lee

Testimonials

‘BKL quickly formed a team with members who had very strong and special skill sets in each area, which made myself very comfortable considering the situation that we faced with.’

‘Although every individual from BKL was exceptional, team leader, Jinwook Song managed the whole process brilliantly.  He coached and led us well during the process with JiYoung Sohn taking care of the negotiation with the other parties, which is probably the most time consuming and exhausting part of the process. She showed endless energy while also providing appropriate advice in each step. ’

Key clients

KEB Hana Bank, NH Investment & Securities, and other financial institutions

Work highlights

  • Advised KEB Hana Bank, NH Investment & Securities, and other financial institutions on responding to government sanctions.

South Korea > Shipping: local firms Tier 2

Bae, Kim & Lee LLC‘s wide practice spans P&I club work instructions among other marine insurance matters, vessel finance and bankruptcy, shipbuilding disputes and vessel arrests. Jaiyoung Kim has over 15 years experience in cargo delivery disputes, bill of lading claims and COAs. Yoon Park is routinely instructed by shipowners, shipyards and P&I Clubs, while Young-Joon Cho and Eun Sik Shin take the lead on restructures of financially distressed shipping companies. Joon Sung (Justin) Kim advises on contract of carriage and charterparty disputes and marine insurance issues. Jong Ku Kang retired from practice.

Practice head(s):

Jaiyoung Kim; Yoon Jeong Park

Other key lawyers:

Young Joon Cho

Testimonials

‘I have worked with several Bae Kim Lee Partners on a wide range of litigation/arbitration cases. All have been excellent, managing their multi-lingual teams of lawyers, witnesses, and experts with skill; and liaising with clients throughout. BKL is an international law firm up there with the best.’

‘I have worked a lot recently with Yoon Jeong Park, who is of the highest calibre. Her attention to detail and responsiveness is excellent.’

‘The team has a strong capability in all areas of shipping including transactional matters and shipping finance. They maintain a strong and close relationship with their clients, and are always willing to understand the client’s situation and provide the required assistance.’

‘Young Joon Cho is a finance and banking lawyer who’s been practising shipping finance for about 30 years. He is very experienced and hence is very capable of spotting issues which may become controversial with the lenders / pose difficulties in the completion of the financing project.’

‘Yoon Jeong Park has a very good knowledge and understanding of shipping companies and the shipping market in general. I primarily work with her on shipping transaction and shipping finance matters but I understand that she has very good knowledge and experience in all areas of shipping, including shipping litigation and shipping arbitration. ’

‘Justin Kim has a good understanding on vessel’s structure/machinaries/actual voyages. Further, their current team leader  Yoon Park has deep understanding of Korean shipping sector.  Her wide network and list of contacts is a precious asset.’

Key clients

ITIC Club / ADK Maritime

Korea Shipping

DL E&C

HMM

SM Line

Korea Line

Hyundai Oilbank

Dong-A Tanker

Polaris Shipping

Heung-A Shipping

Work highlights

  • Defending DL E&C (formerly known as Daelim Industrial) against a damage claim suit filed by the owner of a Panamanian vessel regarding a collision with Busan New Port facilities in Korea.
  • Advised Polaris Shipping with regard to a quasi-judicial adjudication procedure, which has been administered for the first time by the competent maritime authority.

South Korea > Tax: local firms Tier 2

Bae, Kim & Lee LLC‘s full-service tax practice continues to be involved in complex tax appeals and litigation before the Tax Tribunals, as well as complex work such as transfer pricing audits. Practice head Seog Kyoo Kang and fellow senior partner, Il Young Cho  have extensive expertise representing Korean and foreign clients in a wide range of civil and criminal actions relating to tax disputes. Foreign partner Maria Chang assists overseas clients in managing tax controversies.  

Practice head(s):

Seog Kyoo Kang

Other key lawyers:

Il Young Cho; Maria Chang

Testimonials

‘The team is able to provide cutting-edge tax services for tech sector clients, start-ups and other new businesses. The team in agile and brings together various professionals to provide the right level of specialism and best service to the client’s request. We were very impressed with their understanding of tax issues within the growing tech sector.’

‘Overall, the individuals in BKL have high understandings of their professional fields and are open-minded, collaborative and provide innovative solutions’ 

Key clients

DWS Asset Management (Korea) Company Limited

HDC Hyundai Development Company

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited

KEB Hana Bank and other commercial banks

Korea Electric Power Corporation

Korea Exchange

Melbo International Investment Limited

Mirae Asset

Samsung Asset Management Co., Ltd.

Work highlights

  • Represented about ten large domestic companies (Samsung, Hyundai, LG, GS, Hanwha affiliates, and some of its corporations) in their dispute over the converted tax method of local income tax and resulting economic losses.
  • Representing major domestic banks and securities companies in their dispute regarding the Act on Real Name Financial Transactions and Confidentiality and the withholding tax system under the tax law.
  • Advised Korea Exchange on tax matters relating to developing the next-generation ultra-rapid trading settlement system.

South Korea > TMT: local firms Tier 2

Bae, Kim & Lee LLC‘s diverse practice advises a plethora of Korean, Asia and EU based business-to-business connectivity vendors and telecoms companies, domestic broadcasters, as well supporting multinational automotive clients on connected vehicles and mobility platforms, social media platforms, finance and e-commerce service providers. Kwang Hyun Ryoo has experienced advising on telecom regulation, data protection, and e-commerce for clients such as Netflix, Tesla, Alibaba and Huawei. Sangjik Lee and Ji Yeon Park are also veteran regulatory advisors to telecom and broadcast market leaders. Kyungtae Ma is recommended for telecom licensing, evolving AI regulations and AI chatbot services.  

Practice head(s):

Kwang Hyun Ryoo

Testimonials

‘Superb data protection practice, they are our go-to-firm for this market’

‘Jiyeon Park provides excellent legal advice, particularly in the area of telecoms and satellites. Very responsive, well-thought-out and client focuses services.’

‘In addition to competition and regulatory issues, attorney Ji-yeon Park has shown expertise in broadcasting and communication, and we highly recommend her ’

Key clients

Huawei Technologies

Korea Telecom (KT)

LG Uplus

Maeil Broadcasting Network (MBN)

MAN Truck & Bus Korea

Microsoft

Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS)

Spotify

UT LLC (joint venture between Uber and SK Telecom)

Tesla

Work highlights

  • Advising Korea Internet Corporations Association on the issue of in-app payment policy of Google and Apple.
  • Advising UT (a joint venture company of Uber Technologies and T-map Mobility) on various regulatory and compliance issues for doing business in Korea.
  • Advised KT (Korea Telecom) on acquisition of Epsilon Global Communications, a Singapore-based global data company.

Bae, Kim & Lee LLC (BKL) is among the oldest and largest law firms in Korea with over 700 professionals. With practice groups specialised in every significant area of law for business in Korea, BKL supplies timely, accurate and practical legal support to its clients, wherever they are based, across a broad cross-section of industry, investment and finance.

BKL has long been at the leading edge of cross-border legal work in Korea. Among its many practice areas, it has been one of the busiest firms in Korea in the areas of M&A, finance and securities, advising clients from North America, Europe and Asia for over three decades. Likewise, BKL has built a reputation in the disputes arena not only as a litigation powerhouse but also as one of the top international arbitration and cross-border disputes teams in Asia.

Owing to the scale, quality and volume of its work, BKL has received many ‘Deal of the Year’ and ‘Firm of the Year’ honours. In every recognised client or peer assessment, BKL is ranked among the top firms in Korea. In all the firm does, it strives to provide client-focused legal services to its clients, many of whom have been with the firm for many years.

The firm’s clients include many multinational business groups and leaders in the Korean market. Manufacturer clients represent industries such as automotive, software, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas and shipping. Among its financial clients are banks, brokerage and asset management companies, insurers and private equity groups. Other clients are in energy, property development, retail and broadcasting, to name a few.

Headquartered in Seoul, BKL maintains overseas offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Dubai, Hong Kong, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Yangon and Singapore. The first Korean firm to set up offices in China and the UAE, BKL has pioneered a region-wide approach to legal services. BKL is also the first Korean law firm to establish its branch office in Pangyo Techno Valley,  an industrial complex in the city of Pangyo, South Korea.  BKL is a member of the World Law Group and regularly collaborates with other firms across the world.

DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
Antitrust and Competition Seong-Un Yunseongun.yun@bkl.co.kr
Banking and Finance Eui-Jong Chungej.chung@bkl.co.kr
Construction Jung-Myun Ohjungmyun.oh@bkl.co.kr
Corporate and M&A Joon-Ki Yijoonki.yi@bkl.co.kr
Intellectual Property Kijoong KANGkijoong.kang@bkl.co.kr
Intellectual Property (Patent, Trademark) Jong-Wook LeeJWR@bkl.co.kr
Labour and Employment Wookrae Leewookrae.lee@bkl.co.kr
International Arbitration Tony Dongwook Kangtony.dw.kang@bkl.co.kr
White-Collar Crime Soo-Bong Jungsoobong.jung@bkl.co.kr
Projects and Energy Seungkyo Leeseungkyo.lee@bkl.co.kr
Real Estate Gun-Chul Dogunchul.do@bkl.co.kr
Regulatory and Compliance Jeena Kimjeena.kim@bkl.co.kr
Restructuring and Insolvency Hyun-Wook Parkhyunwook.park@bkl.co.kr
Tax Seog-Kyoo Kangseogkyoo.kang@bkl.co.kr
TMT Kwang-Hyun Ryookh.ryoo@bkl.co.kr
Litigation Byoungha Jeonbyoungha.jeon@bkl.co.kr
Capital Markets Hee-Gang Shinheegang.shin@bkl.co.kr
PhotoNamePositionProfile
Hyunchul AN photoMr Hyunchul ANPartner
Jong Min An photoMr Jong Min AnPartner
Brandon Bang photo Brandon BangSenior Foreign Attorney (New York, New Zealand)
Maria CHANG photoMs Maria CHANGMaria Chang is a foreign legal advisor in the firm’s tax practice…
Il Young CHO photoMs Il Young CHOPartner
Ho Kyung Chang photoMr Ho Kyung ChangPartner
Heesug  Chung photoMr Heesug ChungSenior Foreign Attorney (New York)
Eui Jong Chung  photoMr Eui Jong Chung Partner
Gun Chul DO photoMr Gun Chul DOGun Chul DO is a partner and head of BKL’s Real Estate…
Miro KANG photoMs Miro KANGAs an associate of Finance Practice Group of BKL, attorney Miro Kang…
Jong Ku KANG photoMr Jong Ku KANGJong Ku Kang is a partner in our Maritime and Insurance Practice…
Tony Dongwook KANG photoMr Tony Dongwook KANGTony DongWook Kang is the partner in charge of international arbitration and…
Tae Uk KANG photoMr Tae Uk KANGAttorney Tae Uk KANG is a partner of Bae, Kim & Lee…
Hyung Ro KIM photoMr Hyung Ro KIMAttorney Hyung Ro KIM worked in the HR & Labor Relations Team,…
Ho Jin KIM photoMr Ho Jin KIMAs a member of the Securities, Banking and Finance Practice Group of…
Joon Sung (Justin) KIM photoMr Joon Sung (Justin) KIMAssociate
Junu KIM photoMr Junu KIMPartner
Taeck Soo KWON photoMr Taeck Soo KWONAttorney Taeck Soo KWON is a partner of Bae, Kim & Lee…
Hyeon Kang  photo Hyeon Kang Partner
Sang Min Kim photo Sang Min KimPartner
Jihyun Kim photoMs Jihyun KimPartner
Hyun A Kim photoMs Hyun A KimPartner
Joon Sung Kim photo Joon Sung KimAssociate
Woojae Kim photoMr Woojae KimSenior associate specializing in international construction arbitration, investment treaty arbitration and cross-border…
Sangchul LEE photoMr Sangchul LEEAttorney Sangchul LEE is a partner of Bae, Kim & Lee LLC…
Seungkyo LEE photoMr Seungkyo LEEAttorney Seungkyo LEE gained expertise from the experience in overseas power projects…
Jeong Han LEE photoMr Jeong Han LEEJeong Han LEE is a partner of Labor and Employment Practice Group…
Ji Yeon Park photo Ji Yeon ParkPartner
Yoon Jeong Park photoMs Yoon Jeong ParkSenior Foreign Attorney advising on all maritime matters comprising of shipbuilding disputes,…
Kwang Hyun RYOO photoMr Kwang Hyun RYOOKwang Hyun RYOO is a partner on the technology, media, and telecommunications…
Wu Cheol SONG photoMr Wu Cheol SONGAfter serving as judge for 23 years and 6 months, he joined…
Jae Seok YANG photoMr Jae Seok YANGJae Seok YANG is an attorney in Bae, Kim & Lee LLC…
Sky YANG photoMr Sky YANGMr. Yang is a partner in the Corporate and M&A Practice Groups…
Seong Un YUN photoMr Seong Un YUNPartner
Number of partners : 320
Number of lawyers : 580
Number of fee-earners : 740
Burmese
Chinese
English
French
German
Hindi
Japanese
Korean
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish
Vietnamese
American Bar Association (ABA)
American Chamber of Commerce in Korea
IBA (International Bar Association)
Korean Bar Association
IPBA
World Law Group
Japan Intellectual Property Association (JIPA)

BKL Named Best Firm in South Korea at Euromoney Asia Women in Business Law Awards 2017

Bae, Kim & Lee ("BKL") has been named the "Best Firm in South Korea" at the Euromoney Legal Media Group Asia Women in Business Law Awards 2017 hosted by the global legal publisher Euromoney Legal Media Group on November 9, 2017 at the JW Marriott Hotel in Hong Kong. Furthermore, senior partner Il Young CHO was honored as the best lawyer in transfer pricing while senior patent attorney Catherine Eunkyeong LEE was recognized as the best lawyer in patent and trademark prosecution among Asia's leading women in the legal profession.


BKL Partner Wu Cheol SONG Named “Disputes Star of the Year”

Wu Cheol SONG, a senior partner at Bae, Kim & Lee LLC (“BKL”), was named the “Disputes Star of the Year” in South Korea at the Asialaw Asia-Pacific Dispute Resolution Awards 2017 held on September 28, 2017 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Hong Kong.


BKL Partner Kap-You (Kevin) KIM Appointed as President of KCAB International Arbitration Committee

Mr. Kap-You (Kevin) KIM, a senior partner at Bae, Kim & Lee LLC (“BKL”), has been appointed as President of the International Arbitration Committee of the Korea Commercial Arbitration Board (“KCAB”).


Bae, Kim & Lee LLC Hosts Seminar on European Real Estate Investment

Bae, Kim & Lee LLC ("BKL") and Linklaters LLP jointly held the "European Real Estate Investment Seminar" on June 8, 2017 at the Park Ballroom of the Conrad Hotel in Yeouido, Seoul, attracting approximately 150 attendees from legal and overseas affairs teams at leading investment institutions and asset managers, including pension funds, insurance companies, banks and securities firms.


BKL Hires Seong Soo KIM, Former Presiding Judge of Seoul Central District Court

Bae, Kim & Lee ("BKL") has hired Seong Soo KIM, a former Presiding Judge of the Seoul Central District Court as a partner in its litigation practice group.


BKL receives 10 awards at ALB Korea Law Awards, including “Deal Firm of the Year,” “Litigation

Bae, Kim & Lee LLC ("BKL") emerged from the ALB Korea Law Awards 2016 as one of the two biggest winners on the night, receiving highly coveted awards for "Deal Firm of the Year," "Litigation Law Firm of the Year," and "Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year." In addition, the firm's reputation as advisor of choice on the biggest and most complex deals in the market was confirmed by wins for "Deal of the Year" in nearly all of the awarded categories, while BKL M&A partner Ri Bong HAN was honored as "Dealmaker of the Year" for the second consecutive year.