With Lee & Ko’s extensive expertise in representing both foreign and Korean multinationals, the firm is highly regarded for its work in sectors such as semiconductors, high-tech, finance, automotive, pharmaceuticals, shipping, and ICT. The team includes in-house economists, former KFTC officials, lawyers, and ex-judges and prosecutors, providing comprehensive competition law services. Co-headed by Hwan Jeong, who specialises in merger control, cartels, abuse of dominance, and antitrust litigation, and Jeong-Ho Sun, who is known for handling significant cartel cases and international merger filings. Jungwon Kwon offers a wealth of experience advising multinational corporations on merger control, cartel issues, and antitrust litigation. Suruyn Kim is noted for navigating complex merger reviews, while Jeong Yoon Choi has extensive experience with international cartels, M&A, and KFTC investigations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I highly recommend the antitrust and competition team at Lee & Ko for their exceptional legal services. Their deep expertise in competition law, client-focused approach, and strategic insights have been invaluable to us.'
‘I highly recommend Miji Lee, an antitrust & competition lawyer at Lee & Ko. Miji Lee has provided us with exceptional legal support, demonstrating deep expertise and a meticulous approach to every detail. What truly sets Miji Lee apart is her attentiveness and dedication to our needs. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure we are well informed and supported throughout our legal processes. Her proactive communication and thoughtful guidance have been invaluable.'
‘Lee & Ko's anti-trust team is incredibly responsive and speedy. On top of that, their team members have diverse backgrounds, such as PhD, ex-agency officers, and tech professionals.’
‘Jeong-Ho Sun is a dedicated partner in the anti-trust area, with years of experience and good networks in the industry.’
‘The team of professional lawyers specialising in fair trade work can be said to be the strongest in South Korea. It has an excellent ability to present comprehensive strategies and response plans by establishing organic cooperative relationships with professional teams in each industry.’
‘They have expertise in the field, and the team has the ability to spot key issues that clients might not be aware of.’
Key clients
- Novozymes A/S
- Tapestry Inc.
- Stratasys Ltd., Stratasys AP Ltd., Stratasys Korea Limited
- Korean Bar Association, Seoul Bar Association
- LG Chem Co. Ltd.
- NAVER Corporation
- Dechra
- Wanhai
- SK Telecom, KT, LG UPlus, Korea Credit Bureau, Seoul Guarantee Insurance Company
- Aurelius Group
Work highlights
Represented Novozymes in the merger filing for Novozymes’ merger with Chr. Hansen (a large-scale statutory merger between the largest global biotechnology companies of Denmark) and successfully obtained unconditional clearance of the USD 12.3 billion transaction from the KFTC.
Represented T-Way, Korea’s leading low-cost carrier, in the European Commission’s merger review process in its bid to become the remedy taker for passenger flights in the large global merger (valued at USD 1.34 billion) between Korean Air and Asiana Airlines.
Represented Alvogen after the KFTC commenced an investigation on the collusion between Alvogen and AstraZeneca Korea Ltd., alleging that Alvogen delayed the development of the generic versions of AstraZeneca’s original drugs (Zoladex, Arimidex and Casodex (“DEX drugs”)) in exchange for exclusive distribution rights to DEX drugs in South Korea.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Hwan Jeong; Jeong-Ho Sun
Other key lawyers
Suruyn Kim; Jungwon Kwon; Yong Seok Ahn; Miji Lee; Jong Youn Han; Byong Ki Chung; Frank Shyn; Jeong Yoon Choi