Lee & Ko‘s lawyers are experienced across the gamut of financing matters, providing services to Korean and financial institutions and corporations. Co-head Woo Young JUNG has over twenty years of experience in ship finance, securitisation, and financial services regulations and compliance, and co-head Myoung Chul Kwak specialises in acquisition finance, project finance and structured finance. Dong Seok Woo and Eui Yeon Jo are reputed for the depth of their expertise in acquisition finance. Woo Jin Choi represents major domestic and international financial institutions, export credit agencies and airline companies. The team also benefits from Yeo Kyoon Yoon’s deep knowledge of acquisition finance and leveraged finance. Ju-Young Susie Im and Myung Hyun Ryu left the firm in 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Myoung Chul Kwak and his team were among the first in Korea to advise on acquisition finance transactions, having played a key role in establishing the framework for the financial agreements that are widely used today. Accordingly, leveraging their broad experience, they deliver prompt, precise, and comprehensive legal solutions tailored to a wide range of acquisition finance needs.’
‘Among the team, Partner Myoung Chul Kwak draws on his broad experience advising global PE firms to help lenders understand and respond effectively to international market practices. This alignment of interests contributes to stable and efficient deal closings.’
‘This team consists of numerous lawyers with extensive experience in the acquisition finance market, and they proactively provide advice on legal and regulatory risks that clients may not have anticipated.’
‘Myoung Chul Kwak has consistently demonstrated deep expertise and extensive experience in Korea’s acquisition finance market, having been involved in nearly all major transactions in recent years. Drawing on this background, Myoung Chul Kwak provided practical and insightful legal advice that enabled our transactions to move forward efficiently.’
- ‘Eui Yeon Jo has significant experience in many of Korea’s key acquisition finance transactions and brings strong technical capabilities to each engagement.’
- ‘Minsun Hwang has played a key role in ensuring the successful documentation and closing of the transaction. Minsun Hwang’s responsiveness and meticulous attention to detail have been instrumental in progressing the deal on schedule.’
Key clients
- BNP Paribas
- KEB Hana Bank
- Kookmin Bank
- Korean Air Co., Ltd.
- Korea Development Bank
- Korea Investment & Securities Co., Ltd.
- Mirae Asset Securities Co., Ltd.
- NH Investment & Securities Co., Ltd.
- Samsung Securities Co., Ltd.
- Shinhan Bank
- Societe Generale
- Standard Chartered Bank Korea Limited
Work highlights
Advising Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) on the financing of nine second-hand bulk carriers for HMM Co.
Advising Kiwoom Securities, NH Investment & Securities, Kookmin Bank and NongHyup Bank on financing in the total amount of KRW1,707,200,000,000 for the acquisition of Ecorbit by IMM consortium.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Woo Young Jung; Myoung Chul Kwka
Other key lawyers
Dong Seok Woo; Eui Yeon Jo; Woo Jin Choi; Yeo Kyoon Yoon; Minsun Hwang