Jipyong > Seoul, South Korea > Firm Profile
Jipyong Offices
26F, Grand Central A,
14 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu,
Seoul 04527
South Korea
Jipyong > The Legal 500 Rankings
South Korea > TMT: local firms Tier 2
Jipyong‘s combined IT and IP practice offers transactional, regulatory and litigious services to a mix of clients, ranging from Korean broadcast and entertainment studios, to government bodies. So Young Lee is noted for his capabilities supporting clients in national R&D projects. As an IP, media and entertainment law specialist, Mun Hui Kim is sought after by film production companies, record producers and investment and distribution companies, on various investments and joint ventures in the Korean and Asia-wide entertainment sectors. Jeong Kyu Choe is the lead partner for telecoms regulatory work.Practice head(s):
Jeong Kyu Choe
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Korea Communications Commission
TSE Co., Ltd.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy
The Research Foundation
The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Korea (“MMCA”)
InfoBank Corporation
Naver Corporation
Tesla Korea Limited
SANDBOX NETWORK Inc.
JTBC Plus, JTBC Discovery
JTBC Studios
SM Entertainment
JTBC
Disneyplus
tvN
Netflix
Keyeast Entertainment
Writer YOON Yi-soo
Wow Point
Work highlights
- Representing a government agency in an appeal against the cancellation of the corrective orders it imposed.
- Successfully represented TSE in the first instance of a TSE v. ISC patent infringement case related to a semiconductor testing socket patent, which led to the court decision in favor of TSE.
- Participated in a task force to improve the laws and regulations relating to the prohibition of mandatory in-app purchase and advised on related matters.
South Korea > Antitrust and competition: local firms Tier 3
Jipyong’s antitrust and competition group is a significant player in the field of competition law in the context of online platforms. It represents and advises major domestic online platform service providers such as Naver, Coupang, and Kakao. Working largely in the domestic market, practice head Gee-Hong Kim handles investigations regarding alleged abuse of market dominance, cartels, bid rigging and insider trading.Practice head(s):
Gee Hong Kim
Testimonials
‘Lots of practical experience and excellent case control skills. Providing opinions in consideration of client’s individual situation.’
Key clients
InfoBank Corporation
Naver Corporation
SK Holdings
SPC SAMLIP CO., LTD., SPC Group and its management
The Korea Fair Trade Commission
Tesla Korea Limited
SANDBOX NETWORK Inc.
Hyundai L&C
Work highlights
- Represented InfoBank Corporation in successfully reversing the Supreme Court’s decision to remand the case concerning margin squeeze against a competing corporate messaging service provider by a mobile telecommunication company.
- Acting in administrative litigation on alleged abuse of market dominance by Naver Corporation, Korea’s largest Internet search engine, through adjustment of search algorithm.
- Representing SPC SAMLIP CO., LTD., SPC Group and its management in criminal investigation and administrative proceedings in connection with unfair supporting practice of South Korea’s largest bakery company.
South Korea > Banking and finance: local firms Tier 3
Jipyong is known for its depth of experience in private equity and hedge funds, and its support to banks in transactional work, often involving cross-border aspects in the real estate and project finance in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Yully Kang leads the team and focuses on asset-backed securitisations, project financings and asset financings.Practice head(s):
Yully Kang
Key clients
SK Inc.
DB Financial Investment Co., Ltd.
Le Soleil Ltd.
Korea Development Bank
Daegu Bank
Kookmin Bank
Woori Bank
Hi Investment & Securities Co., Ltd.
Work highlights
- Advised SK Inc., the holding and IT services company for the SK Group, on the W2 trillion financing and purchase through REITs (SK REITs and Clean Energy REITs) of the SK Group’s headquarters building (Seorin Building) and 116 SK Gas stations nation-wide.
- Represented DB Financial in the W210 billion financing of Mega Wise Chungna’s Incheon Wonchang-dong Logistics Center development project.
- Advised on all aspects from structuring to close of the project financing advanced by a lenders syndicate including the Korea Development Bank, Industrial Bank of Korea., and KDB Infrastructure Investments Asset Management, for 35 power generation affiliates of Le Soleil to repay the existing PF facility and raise additional funding for operating expenses and related matters.
South Korea > Capital markets: local firms Tier 3
Jipyong’s Haeng-Gyu Lee-led department continues to be active on IPOs, on behalf of both managers and issuers, and foreign companies listing on the Korean Exchange. A first among Korean law firms, the group launched an ‘ESG Strategic Consulting Group’, aimed at assisting clients with ESG related issues and listing on the KRX. Lee recently advised the first Singaporean company to be listed on the Korea Exchange, and is currently advising the first Spanish and Malaysian companies on their respective listings in Korea.Practice head(s):
Haeng Gyu Lee
Key clients
BioPlus Co., Ltd.
ILJIN Materials CO., Ltd.
SK REITS
NH All One REIT Co., Ltd.
KTB Network
Aju Steel
Enchem
Prestige Biologics
DearU
LBLusem
Il Seung Co., Ltd.
Abion Inc.
Hanyang Securities., Ltd.
Work highlights
- Advised BioPlus Co., Ltd. on the listing on the KOSDAK market.
- Advised ILJIN Materials, a South Korean mid-sized corporation which manufactures secondary cell materials, on the listing of its Malaysian subsidiary on the KRX.
- Represented NH All One REIT Co., Ltd. (a parent REIT), NH No. 3 REIT Co., NH No. 5 REIT Co, and advised them on the entire processes covering the purchase of Budang Square and Vision World in Sungnam, A-One Tower Ingye and A-One Tower Dangsan, and Doji Logistics Center in Icheon, whose total value amounts to approximately KRW 470 billion, financing for the purchase, to IPO and listing.
South Korea > Corporate and M&A: local firms Tier 3
At Jipyong, practice head Tae Hyun Lee‘s expertise covers working with Korean companies on conversion to holding companies, foreign investments, company share acquisitions, M&A transactions and general corporate matters. Elsewhere, Cheol Jeong (a member of the Myanmar and China desks) advises domestic and foreign clients in the energy and finance sectors, real estate, and the food and beverage sectors on investments and cross-border M&A throughout East and Central Asia, Russia and Latin America.Practice head(s):
Tae Hyun Lee
Other key lawyers:
Cheol Jeong
Key clients
SK Chemicals Co., Ltd.
SK Materials Co
Hanwha Solutions
KCC Glass
Naver Co., Ltd.
the New Technology Venture Capital Fund managed by Shinhan
the New Technology Venture Capital Fund managed by KB Securities
a PEF managed by Aarden Partners and Woori Private Equity Asset Management
Work highlights
- Advised SK Materials Co., Ltd. on its physical division and merger into SK Inc.
- Advised SK Innovation Co., Ltd. on the split-off of its battery and E&P business divisions into SK On and SK Earthon, respectively.
- Advised STIC Investments on its merger into DPC, its listed parent company.
South Korea > Dispute resolution: local firms Tier 3
Offering a deep bench of expertise across multiple disciplines, with notable strengths in commercial, finance, competition and construction disputes, Jipyong‘s three partner practice, comprises Sung-Taek Lim , Seong-Jin Bae and Won Jeong . The firm continues to be a popular choice for Korean companies and overseas clients litigating in Korea. Lim and Jeong are the primary figures for contentious construction, real estate and private equity funds instructions, while Bae takes the lead on finance and insolvency litigation.Practice head(s):
Sung Taek Lim; Seong Jin Bae; Won Jeong
Key clients
Activist shareholders such as NaviStock, etc.
Sajo Inustries Co., Ltd.
Korea Communications Commission
Hanwha Life Insurance Co., Ltd.,
Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance
Work highlights
- Successfully represented Sajo Industries Co., Ltd. in all claims raised by its minority shareholders for provisional dispositions to inspect accounting books and records.
- Successfully represented Korea Communications Commission in a constitutional complaint in connection with Article 4 (2) of the Broadcasting Act, etc., which led to the Constitutional Court’s unanimous ruling to uphold the constitutionality.
- Counsel for the Insurers, Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance, Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance, KB Insurance involved in multiple litigation claims against medical institutions for the return of insurance pay-outs made for uninsured elective medical treatments charged to patients’ medical insurance policies as insured medical treatments.
South Korea > Intellectual property: local firms Tier 3
Jipyong maintains impressive capabilities in disputes concerning patents, utility models, trade marks and design, and in the non-contentious arena, advises on unfair competition, customs clearance and border measures and IP due diligence. So Young Lee and Mun Hui Kim are the lead advisors in relation to commercialisation of IP in TMT, entertainment, copyright and fintech sectors. Practice head Jeong Kyu Choe and Chang Ik Sung are the litigators of note.Practice head(s):
Jeong Kyu Choe
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Aekyung Industrial Co., Ltd.
Dongkook Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
GigaTera Lighting
Kakao Corp./Kakao M Corp.
HITEJINRO Co., Ltd.
Korea Communications Commission
TSE Co., Ltd.
Helinox
Korean Publishers Association
MBC
Musicow
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Jeonbuk Technopark, the Korea Innovation Foundation, etc.
The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Korea (“MMCA”)
KT
Work highlights
- Represented a client in trademark infringement and compensatory damages actions regarding “Pumping Toothpaste”.
- Successfully represented Dongkook Pharmaceutical (“DongKook”) in a long-held dispute involving the trademark right of ‘Madeca’ by securing the court decision which held that “Madecca” as a registered trademark is valid in the first- and second-instances trials.
South Korea > Labour and employment: local firms Tier 3
A favourite among employers for high-stakes litigation, Jipyong is active in employment termination, wrongful dismissal cases and contentious labour union matters. Chang Young Kwon and managing partner and former judge, Ji Hyung Kim are among its top litigators. Kwang-Sun Lee heads the practice.Practice head(s):
Kwang Sun Lee
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Hankook Tire & Technology Co Ltd
Paris Croissant
Work highlights
- Successfully represented an employer in an administrative action brought by the employer objecting to the judgment of the Labour Relations Commission that accepted an unfair labour practice and won the case.
- Represented a creditor as the holding company in a claim for preliminary injunction for the prohibition of business interference in a case, where a trade union consisting of the employees hired by the creditor’s subsidiary held a rally in front of the main stores of the creditor, occupying the roads and the court issued a preliminary injunction.
South Korea > Projects and energy: local firms Tier 4
Jipyong has a good depth of experience advising on inbound and outbound investments by Korean private companies and state-owned power generation companies in the US and Europe, and financing of infrastructure projects in emerging markets. M&A partners Cheol Jeong and Hye Jung Ryu work alongside banking expert Yully Kang .Practice head(s):
Hye Jung Ryu
Other key lawyers:
Cheol Jeong; Yully Kang
Key clients
SK ecoplant Co.,Ltd.
Solar Connect
SK Inc.
Le Soleil Ltd. (“Le Soleil”)
Urban JD Oil Co., Ltd. (“Urban JD Oil”)
SK Materials Co., Ltd.
Anemoi 3rd, an SPC of the BTS No.1 PEF managed by Samchully Asset Management
Work highlights
- Advised a Korean subsidiary of a German wind project developer on asset transfer in respect of the rights related to two offshore wind power generation projects (one in Gyungju-city and the other in Yeosu-city).
- Advising on project financing on solar power generation projects in Samchok and Jaeju Island on behalf of Solar Connect Co., Ltd.
- Advised SK ecoplant co.,Ltd. on acquisition of DDS Co., Ltd.
South Korea > Real estate: local firms Tier 4
Distinguished for its cross-border transactional capabilities, Jipyong benefits from a team of experienced lawyers located in China, Vietnam and Myanmar, operating alongside its wider network of specialists in Japan, Russia and Latin America. Real estate finance partners Joon Hyuk Lee and Seok Jae Lee works together with Yully Kang, on project financing, asset acquisitions and REIT mandates.Practice head(s):
Yully Kang
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘This team has diversity, provides great legal services, good international experience. Remains commercially-minded and responsive to the client’s needs at all times.’
Key clients
SK Inc.
K-1 15TH Pangyo Real Estate Investment Trust Company
LT KB Geumcheon 5th New Stay REIT Co., Ltd.
Cushman & Wakefield Korea
Mastern Investment Management
Banwol Smart Logistic PFV
Yongsan Daehan Newstay REIT Co., Ltd.
Igisneovalue Asset Management
Welcome Savings Bank
Kalon Private Real Estate Investment Trust No.8
KORAMCO Reits Management and Trust Co.Ltd.
Nonhyeon PFV
Hana Insurance
Kiwoom Asset Management
KB Asset Management
Korea Asset In Trust Co., Ltd.
IGIS NEOVALUE Asset Management Co., Ltd.
JR Asset Management Co., Ltd.
Daejeon Dunsan Retail Companies Restructuring REIT
Work highlights
- Advised SK Inc. on the financing and purchase through REITs (SK REITs and Clean Energy REITs) of the SK Group’s headquarters building (Seorin Building) and 116 SK Gas stations nation-wide.
- Advised K-1 15TH Pangyo Real Estate Investment Trust Company on the Purchase of H square in Pangyo (including Reporting of Combination of Enterprises).
- Advised LT KB Geumcheon 5th New Stay REIT Co., Ltd. on the purchase of Lotte Castle near the Doksan Station from Lotte Aluminum Co., Ltd.
South Korea > Shipping: local firms Tier 4
Jipyong specialises in representing Korean and international shipowners, P&I clubs, shipyards, ship financers, airlines, forwarders, traders and insurers in bill of lading, charter party and COA/CVC disputes. ‘Exceptional‘ Choon-Won Lee continues to maintain his distinguished reputation in maritime casualties, collision of vessels, ship fire and oil pollution cases.Practice head(s):
Choon Won Lee
Testimonials
‘Jipyong’s marine team are respected experts in the Korean shipping market.’
‘Choon Won Lee is a very competent lawyer and with a great wealth of experience in Korean shipping market. A great performer in litigation and arbitration proceedings.’
‘Choon Won Lee is exceptional in terms of quality and ability to address complex issues quickly and to the highest standard.’
Key clients
POSCO
Asiana Airlines Inc
HMM Company Limited
K Shipbuilding Co Ltd
Daehan Shipbuilding Co Ltd.
Dongbang Co Ltd.
H-Line Shipping Co Ltd
Steamship Insurance Management Services Limited
Stephenson Harwood LLP (Seoul)
Kennedys
Stephenson Harwood LLP (London)
Clyde & Co Clasis Singapore Pte Ltd
Jipyong > Firm Profile
The firm: As one of Korea’s leading full-service law firms, Jipyong LLC (‘Jipyong’) takes pride in our global reach and outlook, the depth and breadth of our practice groups, and the expertise and experience of our lawyers. With 11 offices and desks across Asia and beyond, Jipyong provides a one-stop destination for legal and consulting services. Our strong base of domestic and international clients relies not only on our local market expertise but also our innovative, business-minded solutions. Jipyong is best defined by our dedication to professional and service excellence, and unwavering commitment to high ethical standards, pro bono work and community service.
Areas of practice
Finance and securities: Jipyong spearheads the most innovative financial transactions in Korea, as evidenced by the firm’s advice and representation on the first-ever IPOs of foreign companies from the US, Australia, Vietnam, and Laos on the Korea Exchange. Jipyong is also highly regarded for its expertise in project finance, ranging from real estate to social overhead capital, as well as structured finance and derivatives, acquisition financing, private equity investments and financial regulatory matters. Also notable is Jipyong’s rapidly growing FinTech practice, highly sought after by clients in novel ventures involving P2P lending, internet banks, cryptocurrency and blockchain.
Corporate, mergers and acquisitions: With in-depth local market knowledge of Korea and other Asian countries where Jipyong has overseas offices – in particular, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, and Myanmar – the firm represents an ever-expanding client base in complex, cutting-edge corporate and M&A transactions in both Korea and other strategic foreign jurisdictions.
Litigation and arbitration: Led by former Justices of the Constitutional and Supreme Courts of Korea, Jipyong’s litigation and arbitration practice group is the heart of the firm and widely regarded as among the best in Korea. Jipyong has an impressive track record of success in the most complex and difficult cases. Jipyong also has extensive experience with international arbitration involving foreign parties from the US, Japan, China, Russia, and Vietnam.
Antitrust and competition: With a former high-ranking KFTC officer and veteran attorneys leading the charge, our antitrust and competition practice group has achieved remarkable success in representing both corporate clients and the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) in all aspects of antitrust, from KFTC investigations and hearings to administrative appeals and civil follow-on damages actions and criminal antitrust proceedings.
Labour and employment: Jipyong’s labour and employment practice group provides insightful, innovative, and practical legal services ranging from advisory work to representation in legal actions disputing ordinary wage, rules of employment, dismissals, and many other issues. In line with the government’s recent efforts to initiate the transition of contract workers to permanent positions at public corporations, we are successfully assisting corporate clients to manage their transition issues.
Shipping, maritime and aviation: Jipyong’s shipping, maritime and aviation team is led by highly regarded maritime, admiralty and insurance law experts. Consistently recognised by leading international legal rankings publications as one of the best law firms in the shipping and maritime practice area, Jipyong has advised domestic and international clients on numerous high-profile maritime and insurance matters, including the Hyundai Fortune explosion, the Hebei Spirit oil spill, and the National Maritime Police Agency’s Turtle Ship Fund project.
Resources, energy and infrastructure: Jipyong’s resources, energy and infrastructure practice group advises a broad range of clients on power plant development, infrastructure projects, SOC, project financing, EPC, investments and acquisitions. Jipyong is highly experienced in conventional power as well as renewable and alternative forms of energy; from their development to operation and shutdown. The firm also has extensive experience in resource development projects and investments (including coal and iron ore mining operations and reforestation projects) and infrastructure development (including expressway development projects and urban renewal projects).
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finance and Securities | Yully Kang | ylkang@jipyong.com | +82 2 6200 1711 |
| Capital Markets | Haeng Gyu Lee | hglee@jipyong.com | +82 2 6200 1744 |
| Intellectual Property | Seung Soo Choi | sschoi@jipyong.com | +82 2 6200 1759 |
| Information Technology and Internet | Seung Soo Choi | sschoi@jipyong.com | +82 2 6200 1759 |
| Information Technology and Internet | Jeong Kyu Choe | jkchoe@jipyong.com | +82 2 6200 1768 |
| Bankruptcy and Restructuring | Seong Jin Bae | sjbae@jipyong.com | +82 2 6200 1731 |
| Bankruptcy and Restructuring | Soon Chul Kwon | sckwon@jipyong.com | +82 2 6200 1852 |
| Litigation and Arbitration | Sung Taek Lim | stlim@jipyong.com | +82 2 6200 1746 |
| Antitrust and Competition | Gee Hong Kim | ghkim@jipyong.com | +82 2 6200 1720 |
| Maritime and Aviation | Choon Won Lee | cwlee@jipyong.com | +82 2 6200 1910 |
| White-Collar Criminal Defence | Jeong Soo Park | jspark@jipyong.com | +82 2 6200 1784 |
| Resources, Energy and Infrastructure | Cheol Jeong | cjeong@jipyong.com | +82 2 6200 1753 |
| Tax | Sang Su Ku (CPA) | ssku@jipyong.com | +82 2 6200 1738 |
| Labour and Employment | Kwang Sun Lee | kslee@jipyong.com | +82 2 6200 1787 |
| Antitrust and Competition | Sang Jun Kim | sjkim@jipyong.com | +82 2 6200 1715 |
| Real Estate and Construction | Won Jeong | wjeong@jipyong.com | +82 2 6200 1750 |
| Real Estate and Construction | Sung Taek Lim | stlim@jipyong.com | +82 2 6200 1746 |
| BiomedicalㆍPharmaceuticalㆍHealthcareㆍCosmetics | Tae Hyun Lee | thlee@jipyong.com | +82 2 6200 1788 |
| Entertainment and Media | Seung Soo Choi | sschoi@jipyong.com | +82 2 6200 1759 |
| Entertainment and Media | Mun Hui Kim | mhkim@jipyong.com | +82 2 6200 1796 |
| Family Laws | Sang Mi Ma | smma@jipyong.com | +82 2 6200 1774 |
